Abe sighed. “Ricardo knows nothing about business. He squandered the profits lavishly on parties and women. In one year, we were bankrupt. Ricardo sold GlobeMall to a billionaire and became a salaried caretaker of this establishment instead. He continues to incur losses, and I think the mini-mall will be shut down sooner than later.”Tyler gritted his teeth. “Ricardo stole the place from my father and ran it into the ground! Tell me. Where can I find him?”Abe pointed to the third-floor arena. “Mr. Ricardo built an exclusive club up there. It’s frequented by many billionaire heirs. The club’s income is quite handsome, but he wastes all the profits on his extravagant lifestyle anyway.”Tyler nodded and turned to leave. “Alright. I will talk to him.”Abe held back the young man anxiously. “I know Mr. Ricardo wronged your father. But don’t go around offending him. He has over a dozen ferocious security guards around him at all times. Moreover, he has connections with the Cooper family. Th
Yara raised an eyebrow in irritation. What was the stranger playing at? She had been considerate with him all along, explaining why he couldn't afford to enter the restricted club. Wasn't he now taking advantage of her kindness? She considered for a moment to expel him with the help of her bouncers.Yara had been raised by parents who held values and morals above everything else. Their conservative beliefs led to their social status remaining middle-class.Yara's parents could not provide their daughter with the best things in life. However, she never resented them for the modest upbringing. In fact, she was grateful.The principles helped Yara become self-dependent and uncompromising. Growing up, she sharpened her mind and enhanced her body to get ahead in the world.Yara was a model, a part-time hostess, and had already graduated from business school. However, her job applications to five-star hotels and top companies were rejected primarily because she had no references.Yara's coll
Yara turned around with a look of disappointment. The stranger had turned out to be a fraud and pretender after all. Why did she have such unreal expectations?Marv and Pat sniggered and cracked their knuckles. They'd give the homeless man a beating before throwing him out."Why don't you try again," Tyler said, ignoring the advancing men. "Sometimes transactions don't go through."Yara pursed her lips. He wasn't wrong. It was actually her training to swipe up to three times if the customer insisted. She sighed and began the transaction again, entering $3000 as a charge.Beep! The transaction was successful!Yara turned around in surprise. Marv and Pat's faces looked like they were made of leather. Did the homeless man really have three thousand dollars? Was he going to dine in the restricted lounge?"Your table is booked for the night," Yara told Tyler with a charming smile. She was still reeling from the fact that the stranger possessed an active GIB card. How much money did he reall
Ricardo shrugged and waved his hand dismissively. "I don't know this guy. Is he a janitor? I told you I can't pay any salaries this month. Get him out of my sight!"Yara took a deep breath. Ricardo had cited silly excuses to withhold staff salaries for the month. The truth was that most of the profits went into the purchase of illicit drugs, jewelry, and escort girls. There was barely anything left behind to pay the staff.Ricardo’s employees were disgruntled but were too scared to protest or approach him. Anybody with the Coopers' blessing was untouchable.Yara offered him a sharp reply. "Actually, this gentleman booked a table just to gain entry into the restricted section. He is intent on speaking to you."Ricardo raised an eyebrow and eyed the young man again. "Is that so? What do you want? Looking for drugs?"Tyler regarded the arrogant boss silently. "I am Tyler Grant. My father is Hughes Grant, the previous owner of GlobeMall. Do you remember who he is and what you put him throu
Ricardo began laughing, and soon, his guards followed suit. Even some of the guests sniggered. The young man might be a good fighter, but by his looks, he was definitely not wealthy.“Is this guy drunk or delusional?” one of the regulars muttered. “Does he really think he can purchase a mall?”“His clothing suggests he doesn’t even have a few hundred dollars!”“I heard he spent all his life savings on booking a table. Now he thinks he can be the owner? What an ego trip of poverty!”“Does he even have money to rent a toilet?”“Are you out of your mind, kid?” Ricardo asked with a scoff. “Your father is a manual scavenger, and your house is a dog kennel. And yet, you claim to have enough money to purchase GlobeMall? Give me a break!”More laughter followed from the crowd. Yara glanced at Tyler, this time with pity. Why was he so intent on humiliating himself in public? Was beating down Ricardo’s guards, not a big enough victory?“Are you deaf or dumb?” Tyler retorted at the boss. His voic
Beep! Transaction successful!Yara turned to Tyler with a mixed expression of relief and admiration.“Congratulations, Mr. Tyler Grant. You are the new owner of GlobeMall! Mr. Carlisle will send you the papers shortly!”Tyler nodded at Yara and scanned the club. The crowd that had gathered around began gossiping spontaneously.“Whoa, is he secretly a billionaire?”“What kind of card allows a transaction of ten million?”“Is he a foreign investor?”“How could Ricardo be so wrong?”Even though most of the guests in the club’s restricted section were wealthy scions, they were shocked to see Tyler squander ten million dollars casually. Even their billionaire parents would think for days before risking such a staggering amount.Ricardo’s voice disrupted the crowd’s buzz. “I won’t let you do this!” he spat at Tyler. “Your pathetic father can’t have it back! No way!”A sharp smack echoed throughout the room. The former Bossman collapsed on the couch, clutching at his face in agony.Tyler had
Tyler rushed to the men's washroom, where a crowd had gathered, gossiping noisily. It's as if they were visiting a zoo."Oh no, such a young lad fell victim to addiction!""Whose son is he? Which billionaire family?""We've called an ambulance, but it doesn't seem the kid will survive."Tyler and Yara arrived and pushed through the crowd to find a pale boy sprawled on the bathroom floor. He was no older than eighteen and wore branded clothes.Yara knelt by him to check his pulse. Feeling nothing, she put an ear to his chest."I think he's dead," she announced to Tyler with a grimace. The crowd gasped and began buzzing again. Most of them were drunk and considered the tragic scene as dark entertainment.Tyler had been silent all along. Because he was observing the boy's medical condition with his Chiron's Eye. He diagnosed an overdose of a psychedelic drug called Lysergic Acid, otherwise known as LSD."This is not a circus! Clear out the washroom and lock it up!" he ordered. This surpri
Tyler borrowed Yara's car for a few hours, leaving her in charge of GlobeMall. He also needed time to think things through.While he was leaving prison, Butch Salvatore assured he had no material gifts to give. Then what the hell was the overloaded GIB debit card? It had millions of dollars!How much was the actual balance on the GIB card? Did Butch consider millions of dollars as immaterial?Tyler browsed debit messages on his phone to find his account's balance, but the main balance was crossed out in the text. Were the numbers too confidential to be shown through messages?Tyler cast a glance at the boy reclining on the front seat. Tony Anderson slept like a log. It was expected since he had just been rescued from a fatal drug overdose.Tyler had purified his blood, but the process took a toll on Tony's frail body. Soon, he came to his senses and opened his eyes."What's going on?" Tony mumbled in confusion. "Who are you, and where are you taking me?"Tyler gestured to him to calm d
The Seraphim King’s mention induced a wave of muttering among the conference members. Lazarus raised his hand to silence them. "The last time I checked, the Seraphim King was dying in Montserrat Prison," he resumed with a louder voice than normal. "What the hell was he doing in El Abyssium? Tell me the truth!" A couple of shadows parted from the room's darkness and gradually slithered towards Dagon and Veronica. The hulk realized this and panicked. "When we reached the Hetacomb site, Butch Salvatore was already there! It was actually him who defeated Goliath!" "So you thought it convenient to claim the credit? You picked up the pieces and ran with the tail tucked between your legs?" The shadows moved faster, now only several feet from Dagon and Veronica. "No, my lord! I killed the Seraphim King with Kraken! He is dead!" Lazarus raised his brows. A gasp of surprise in unison rose from the conference members. It turned into scattered cheers. The Seraphim King was considered t
“You will certainly not die if you eat the forbidden fruit,” the serpent said to Eve.~Genesis 3:1-5.***Far off, a secret conference was under way in an undisclosed location. Selected individuals crowded a long table. Some faces were covered with hoods and masks, while others were shadowed. Regardless of the secrecy and covertness, the chatter was loud."What? We lost El Medalla? How could this happen?""Years of hard work and investments ruined? Shame!""What were the mercenaries doing? Did the Red Marauders give up?""Dagon has never failed us before! Does that dog's leash need to be tightened?""How dare the Prince of Petra launch a war against us? Who told him about El Medalla in the first place?""We must retaliate! We have no other alternative!"A man sat at the head of the conference table, paying no attention to the rabble. He looked engaged in deep meditation or profound thought. Suddenly, he stirred, his eyes turning to the side.A surge of incoming energy disturbed his in
The previous chapter marks the end of the Ascension Arc. I applaud and congratulate all readers who have read this far. I hope you enjoyed the journey. However, this is just the beginning. The Ascension Arc will be followed by the Coronation Arc, where Tyler deals with more daunting enemies and situations. New characters will be introduced, and the focus will shift towards those I have ignored till now. We have had a lot of fantasy battles. It is now time to return home and face more down-to-earth challenges. Those who read so far, kindly leave a review under the story's main page. (Note: there is a difference between leaving a comment on a paragraph or chapter and under the main page) I hope you will still accompany Tyler further on his journey. Thanks again for the support and love. Yours fictionally, KAISER KEN P.S: Do read my other story, THE PEERLESS MAN WITH A THOUSAND GIFTS. It is set in the same universe with an equally awesome main character. Thanks.
The Salvatore estate was situated in the hilly regions of Sapphire City. It was remote, accessible only by helicopters, ski lifts, and cable cars. Other billionaires of the city were rather unaware and uninterested in the massive terrain covered by the Salvatore estate. They dismissed it as waste hilly lands. Actually, the ancient estate was hidden from commoners through different geographical and magical means. However, the truth was far from it. The area was replete with mines and minerals. It was a treasure trove of riches. Moreover, a thirty-thousand-square-foot castle dominated the Salvatore estate. It was an ancient structure from where Butch used to rule when he was alive. Britta was raised within those premises. Tyler Grant touched down at a site specially selected for the old man’s last rites. As his wings retreated, he noticed a ceremonial gathering had been summoned. They were Salvatore loyalists, castle butlers and staff, and a few of Tyler’s acquaintances. Under Ty
The resurrected Yara Mathews received no replies from the others. Instead, she was the object of shocked stares from the girls and a blank look from Tyler. She turned from one to the other in utter perplexity. Suddenly, Yara realized she was naked. She let out a feminine scream. With one arm, the beauty covered her breasts and her crotch with the other. “Someone help me…” she whimpered. “I don’t know what’s happening…” Tyler turned his eyes away from the nudity, instead focusing on the charred Hetacomb site. While he dwelt on his emotions, Kat and Britta rushed towards Yara to aid her. “Don’t worry, child!” the goddess called out the soothing words. “Everything’s fine. I’ll manifest some clothes on your body immediately!” “Stay right there, Yara!” the young Salvatore assured her. “We’re coming to help you!” Suddenly, Tyler’s senses tingled. His gaze whipped back to the girls. “Don’t look at her while she is naked!” Britta snapped at him. “What’s wrong with you?” The you
Kat was still connected to Tyler emotionally and spiritually through a fine strand of mystical energy. It snapped abruptly, making her take an apprehensive step back. The goddess realized something had broken inside him. Butch Salvatore's death had already dealt a powerful blow to Tyler's psyche. Now, Yara's passing had broken the threshold. A part of his personality that he had suppressed all his life had awakened. "Tyler… You're scaring me…" Kat mumbled anxiously. The young man's demented smile was oddly persistent. He appeared not to have heard the goddess' concerns. He spun sharply, taking a purposeful step in the opposite direction. "Where are you going?" Kat asked, knowing her question would fall on deaf ears. Tyler took a single leap and, in a second, appeared fifty yards away. The area he landed on was bathed in deep red. It was as if a large tank of blood had been overturned. The young man's sharp eyes scanned the area with urgency. He finally spotted what he was l
"NOOO!" Britta screamed, jumping off Kat's back before the latter stopped her gallop.The girl's loud reaction was justified. She had just noticed that her grandfather lay on his back, seemingly lifeless. The old man had only one arm. Half a dozen holes riddled his muscular torso. Moreover, the corpse had already begun to turn blue.The great Butch Salvatore was dead. Tyler knelt before his body with a vacant and spaced-out expression. His own clothes were tattered, but no injuries or bruises were visible."Thank the primordial gods," Kat muttered to herself, realizing her ex-husband was alive and unharmed. She skidded to a stop and changed into her human form.The Mayan goddess raced towards Tyler for a much-desired reunion. However, she stopped abruptly on spotting Butch's corpse. Kat stood motionless, unable to decide whether to hug Tyler out of relief or grieve for Britta's grandfather.Butch Salvatore meant nothing to her as a person. She hadn't encountered him earlier in the pr
“Yes. Do you know what it is about?”“I thought it was another name for the Seraphim King?”The old man shook his head. “No. The prophecy is about the arrival of one powerful soul in a hundred thousand years.”“A hundred thousand? That is a long time period, running into prehistory! Even before humanity came into existence!”Butch furrowed his brows dismissively. “I don’t have the time to tell you about all the ancient civilizations that existed before recorded history. All you need to know is that the thousandth Seraphim King will be the prophesied Gilded Man.”“Who is he?” Tyler asked curiously. “What number were you?”“I was the nine hundred and ninety-ninth,” the old man replied with a knowing smile.Tyler sat up with a start, now that all his injuries were healed. “I am the Gilded Man? Are you sure about that? Clearly, there’s been a mistake! Someone who couldn’t even protect his own master can’t be a savior born from prophecy!”“Didn’t I ask you not to interrupt me?” Butch fired
Pluck! Something arrested Tyler’s free fall in mid-air. It was unexpected since his fractured senses detected no living beings in the vicinity. That was the primary reason he gave up in the first place.The young man opened his bleeding eyes to find out what was happening. Who was the mysterious savior? With sunlight blinding his already blurry vision, he could see someone carrying him. Together, they floated to the ground comfortably.Tyler strained his eyes as they landed. A heavily muscled torso and a familiar face loomed over him. It was Butch Salvatore!“Master!” he groaned in disbelief. “Is that really you? I thought you were dead!”Tyler had seen Butch die with his own eyes. Kraken devoured the old man’s right arm and later riddled his body with holes. In the end, the monster crushed his heart, essentially ending his life.How did Butch survive such irreparably fatal wounds? How did he fix his entire shredded body? Moreover, it was known that damage taken from Kraken could not