In a few minutes, payments began to flood into the provided account."Sarah Holmes contributed two thousand dollars.""Felix Kane contributed five thousand dollars.""Ava Gomez contributed eight thousand dollars."The announcement was made as the payments kept coming.They had never had much interest in contributing at first, but with the thought that it was to make the next party more remarkable, they began to give in.A few moments later, almost everyone had contributed. Gordon felt joy swelling in his stomach, as no amount contributed was close to what he had in mind.Then, the guy picked up his phone and made the transfer quickly."What! Gordon Orwell just contributed twenty thousand dollars!"The announcement caused shockwaves to spread through the party. Everyone turned an admiring gaze at Gordon, which made him grin."Gordon, you have become so comfortable!""You must be doing so well financially!"The comments kept coming, making Gordon feel very good. This was exactly what he
Max nudged Michael, and they both left for a quiet corner to have their discussion."What's going on, Michael? Please explain it to me," Max asked impatiently.Michael went silent, searching for the perfect answer in his mind. "Nothing serious," he replied shortly, which caused Max's eyes to widen."Come on, man! Do you mean a limited-edition Rebeluxe wear worth thousands is nothing serious?""Max, this wear is a gift from a friend. If I had known it was costly, I wouldn't have accepted it. I'm not comfortable with all the stares it has caused," Michael disclosed.Max let out a sigh."It's not bad that you wear something nice. I'm just concerned about your financial situation. You contributed one hundred thousand dollars for the next get-together party. Isn't that serious as well?"Michael was clueless about how he would explain the matter. Revealing that he hadn't made any payment might be unbelievable.He patted Max's shoulder and said, "Buddy, I understand all your concerns, and I
Michael was quiet for a moment.This lady had been showing him a lot of kind gestures since she arrived, but it seemed this was ahead of everything."Thank you for the offer, Ava. I have my bike here," Michael declined.Ava nodded and said, "It's very simple. My car trunk is spacious enough for your bike. So..." She smiled at him with a wink.It cost Michael nothing to reject the offer completely, but he thought of giving her a chance to fulfill her wish.The car trunk was opened, and Ava joined hands with Michael to place the bike in there.Erica walked forward and took the driver's seat. Then, Michael and Ava opened the passenger doors and hopped in.The car was started, and then it drove off.At this time, everyone at the party was trying to figure out what was going on between Ava and Michael.The fact that Ava was even the one running up to Michael at every corner left them all with questions.Hannah's head was buzzing with madness as the only gossip that filled the air was about
The next day, Michael was sitting on his balcony, absorbing the energy of his natural surroundings.Immediately after he was done, a new task alert popped up before his eyes.Ding![New Task Alert!][Quench the fire burning at Silvana Palace][Reward: 30 gems.][Task must be completed in the next three hours. Your time starts now!][Failure to complete the task within the given duration will result in a pause of tasks for several weeks.][Failure to carry out the task will lead to the host losing any of his previously granted wishes.]Michael was somewhat surprised. He had never heard any news about Silvana Palace being attacked by fire.However, he set aside the question and found his way to the destination.A few moments later, he arrived at the exclusive reserved and well-secured area where the palace was situated.Despite the limitations on the monarch's power in modern times, Silvana City's royal authority remains significant.Surprisingly, Michael didn't see a sign or trace of a
Ding![Ten gems deducted.][Wish granted.]Instantly, Steelheart felt a subtle relaxation in his chest. His heart became calm as he looked at Michael, unlike how enraged he had been a minute ago.He wondered why he had been mad at Michael in the first place. Michael had willingly come to the palace to lend a helping hand. Why should he be stopped?At that moment, Steelheart turned to his subordinate, and his heart hardened."Both of you should lock yourselves up right now!" he ordered, rage evident on his face.The guards were shocked upon hearing that. They never expected the matter to head this way."We are so sorry to let this nonentity trouble you, sir. We should have cut off his legs before your arrival." They both fell to their faces, pleading.However, what they had just said only provoked Steelheart further. "You! Get them locked up forever! Without food or water!" Steelheart beckoned at one of the guards peeking at the scene.The guard hurried forward and picked up his collea
Sage's hatred for Michael multiplied at that moment. He wondered how Michael came to know about a matter that was completely a secret.The king scrutinized Michael more thoroughly and asked, "How capable do you think you are?""I will try my best, Your Highness," Michael calmly responded.Sage voiced his annoyance as he couldn't hold it in any longer."I don't mean to be rude, my king, but since Elysian is here..." The king raised his hand, cutting Sage off.Sage slowly lowered his head, feeling disappointed.However, the king had his own perception as well. Several spiritual doctors had been invited, and none of them had been successful.Is it sensible to depend on only one person now?Elysian, who had been quiet, decided to speak up as well. "My king, this kid doesn't look like he has any basic knowledge about leaves, let alone their usage. He's just a distraction. I suggest we send him away."The king nodded and said, "You're right."Elysian was pleased.Then the king continued, "I
They were still in a daze when the king picked an apple from the bowl of fruit beside him and placed it on the table."How many seeds are there in this apple?" the king asked, and they were all stupefied.The contestants were more surprised, as they never expected such a challenge.Elysian quickly cleared his throat. "We don't have to waste much time." Then he began to chant.After he spent close to eight minutes on the chants, he said, "My king, this apple has seven seeds.""Are you sure?" Sage asked worriedly."There are seven seeds in the apple. I'm very sure," Elysian confirmed.Then Sage turned to Michael. "It's your turn."Michael nodded in response. This test truly required inner wisdom, which meant he needed to level up his abilities.He remembered he had ten gems left, then he whispered a wish."I wish to be bestowed with inner wisdom."Ding![Ten gems deducted!][Wish granted!]Right away, the answer came to Michael's mind."Why is it taking you forever to say something?!" S
In a moment, the king's wives and daughters flooded into the room as soon as the news reached them.They all loved Liam as the only male child in their family and also as an adorable prince.King James had eight wives and ten children in total: one son and nine daughters.James' family had these numbers when he was desperate to have a son.In the first year after James became king, his first wife, Victoria, gave birth to a female child. A year later, she gave birth to another female child.Then, James married his second wife, Catherine, the night Victoria had her second daughter.Some months later, Catherine gave birth to a female child, too.This made James somewhat worried. Then, Sage advised him to marry more wives.The advice was put into action, and James married five more wives on the same day.Surprisingly, all five new wives gave birth to female children.At this time, the king found it difficult to sleep at night. He thought that with all the women giving birth to female chil
Joe's eyes flashed with anger. Sam just brought right before his nose, the guy he never wanted to see anymore. However, Sam wasn't at fault. It was Joe who had told them to respect whoever appraised the alexandrite earlier.Joe's cold glare shifted from Sam to the box on the table. His eyes squinted at a stone with a unique pink color and brilliance. Instantly, the elderly man felt a change within him as a thought struck his mind.Then, he dismissed Sam.Joe exchanged a glance with Stephanie as he asked Michael, "What's the problem with the gemstone?"Michael cleared his throat and replied, "Mr. Collins, I want to suggest that you keep this precious stone personally. The gemstone has the chance to continue to add value and become of great profit in the future."There was silence in the office. Joe shifted his gaze between Michael and the gemstone.Even though his curiosity was piqued at the mention of future profit, he didn't want to make it evident.Although he was the one who bough
The elderly man, dressed in a well-tailored suit, walked forward majestically. His breathtaking aura took over the place, and there was total silence."Welcome, sir!""You are welcome, sir!" the attendants hurriedly greeted him.Joe raised his hand to stop them, and they remained in their spots.Just then, Joe's eyes met Stephanie's. "Welcome, Uncle Joe," Stephanie greeted politely, surprised to see him walk in at a perfect time. "My beautiful Stephanie. You didn't inform me of your visit."Stephanie smiled slightly. "I'm sorry for not informing you earlier. I didn't plan it; it just happened. I know you're happy to see me, anyway.""Of course, yes. I'm happy." Joe was beaming with excitement.Then, he turned to look at his attendants. Reading their faces, he could tell that something unpleasant had occurred.He then asked Stephanie, "Who among the attendants provoked you?"Irene's face turned ashen as Stephanie pointed at her. "Irene, quickly explain yourself.""Hurry up; I don't ha
"Oh..." Stephanie was surprised that Irene, who had claimed to be omniscient earlier, could become so humble.To cover up the shame, Irene quickly suggested, "Miss Collins, since you have an interest in this collection, let me reach out to my colleagues for assistance."Stephanie agreed, and Irene called on two of her colleagues.The young ladies came forward, and Irene asked, "Miss Collins would love to know about this collection of rare stones. Does anyone of you have any information about them?"Just as Irene had done, the ladies' eyes were fixated on the collection, staring at it for a long moment.Stephanie finally cleared her throat to break the deafening silence.The first lady spoke up, "I have never come across this rare collection in my entire career."The other lady confessed too, "Since we couldn't help, I believe Sam Trevor should have some information about them." She left to call for Sam Trevor.Stephanie remained calm, watching how they would sort themselves out. This
Stephanie was surprised that a gemstone gallery was Michael's choice. She was expecting him to mention places like a nice hotel, a beachside, and the like.The fact that this young and handsome man beside her was always unpredictable doubled Stephanie's interest in him."Uncle Joe's gemstone gallery?" she asked again, and Michael nodded in affirmation.Stephanie didn't argue with him since that was his choice. She kickstarted the car engine and said, "It's alright. Let's go have a look at some rare and natural stones."Michael replied with a slight smile, and the car drove off.It was a silent trip throughout the journey. In about a couple of minutes, they arrived in front of a commercial complex.Stephanie led the way in, and Michael followed. Soon, they entered Joe's gallery. It was a very big space that looked elegant and stunning.Even though the gallery was not yet launched, there were a few attendants there.They all quickly welcomed Stephanie as soon as they saw her and ignored
Michael was still fast asleep when his phone began to ring the next morning.After the call rang a second time, Michael's eyes sprang open. He rubbed his temples as he felt a slight headache. His body was heavy, and his mind was as blank as a sheet of paper.The call came through again, and he slowly checked his phone screen—it was a call from Stephanie.Michael picked up the call, and a soft voice came from the other end of the phone. "Good morning, Mr. Quinn.""Good morning, Miss," Michael responded, half-asleep."I'm so sorry for disturbing you so early. I was worried that you left the party unannounced yesterday."Michael exhaled softly as he replied, "My bad. An urgent matter came up."Stephanie didn't argue with him. "I thought as much too."Then, there was a moment of silence at both ends before the lady asked softly, "I don't know if there's a possibility that we will meet again?"Michael smiled slightly. "Of course, yeah.""Really? When is that? Today? Now?" Stephanie teased.
Michael's eyes turned red as he watched the cab disappear into the night. He swallowed hard, suppressing his anger. Then, his phone chimed.His gaze fell on the screen of his phone, and it was a message from Fiona. He hesitated for a moment before opening it."I wrote this text with my mind deep in regret and frustration. I feel so overwhelmed with guilt that I can't stand whatever punishment awaits me.If my punishment should be measured by the gravity of what I have done, I know I do not deserve to live. But I'm using this opportunity to plead with you to genuinely forgive me.I have left the irritant spray and the antidote behind. Probably one of the items might be useful. With tears in my eyes, I will be leaving Silvana City tonight."Michael sighed. He looked behind him and found the two items there.He felt disappointed that Fiona concluded her judgment by herself without knowing his intention.This time, Vivian, who had frozen in shock, was able to walk up to Michael. "What was
Blade went closer to his boy in concern and asked, "How are you feeling now?"The dude's skin color had gradually returned. He looked so relaxed as he nodded, "I feel better."Meanwhile, other staff still had their eyes fixated on Michael. They were trying to fathom how he had gained such incredible power. He used to be that worthless guy in the past. In just a short period, he had become someone of limitless wonders.The truth was that Thunder didn't lose his life earlier. Blade misinterpreted the situation. The dude passed out due to a loss of strength, which caused a pause in his breathing.However, Michael's mind was still more concerned about the other victims of the incident. He couldn't imagine what their situation could be at that very moment.Then, he asked Thunder, "For you to intensely lose your strength, I guess you had a large portion of the meal?"Thunder slowly shook his head in disagreement. "I didn't eat any meal; I was just around the diners. Suddenly, we all began t
The day was already dark as Michael drove to Skyline Restaurant at top speed. Within a couple of minutes, he arrived at his destination.Michael's mind went blank as he saw the entrance of his restaurant in a disorderly state.Half-eaten snacks and different kinds of meals were littered on the floor.An eerie odor welcomed his nostrils as he entered the dining space. The vacant dining tables and chairs were all disfigured with colored vomit.The imagery of what had happened flashed in Michael's mind, and he swallowed hard.Raising his head, he saw all his staff running around in frustration."What's going on here?!" Michael asked hastily in anger.All the staff froze in their tracks as they heard his voice."Welcome, sir.""Welcome, boss," they all rushed to him."I thought I asked a question earlier?" Michael snapped at them.A quick silence swept the floor as they exchanged glances of confusion.Given how angered Michael looked, one of the staff hurriedly spoke up."Yes, sir. Trade
They were all stunned by the order.Kim hurriedly fell to his knees and pleaded, "Mr. Quinn, I beg you, don't let us do this. Silas Spencer is my boss. I dare not fight him."However, Silas looked very interested in the fight. "Forget about who the boss is. The order is to teach ourselves some lessons." Silas lifted Kim to his feet.Kim was still in the middle of confusion when Silas aimed an attack at him. Kim's eyes widened in fear as he hurriedly stepped backward to escape it."Oh, wow. That seems perfect," Silas commented.Kim was doing his best to avoid the fight before Silas charged at him again.Unfortunately, Kim was unlucky this time. The sharp sword had torn into his shoulder before he made a move."Argh!!" he cried in pain as he watched blood oozing from his body.Austin was stunned seeing the scene. He couldn't explain what was going on and was more confused about what to do.The more blood streamed from Kim's shoulder, the more his anger escalated.He thought his boss wan