ACCESS GRANTED.
Once inside, I checked my ID again. The black surface shimmered faintly under the elevator lights.
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Name: Ace D. Mercer
Birthday : Marzen 13, 2045
Status : High Net-Worth Citizen
Priority Level: High
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The information on this card was vital. Holding the status of a High Net Worth Citizen granted me access to most areas and facilities in the city.
And in case of an emergency, I would be prioritized by the enforcement units because my life was practically more important than a commoner's. It was an unfair system, but that's just how things worked.
What a handy item. Losing it would strip me of every advantage I currently enjoyed , and I wasn't about to let that happen.
While the elevator ascended, the screen above me flickered with updates: news headlines, stock values, and government announcements. But one announcement caught my attention.
[MERCER CORPORATION RELEASES STATEMENT REGARDING THE INVESTMENT FROM DARKROCK COMPANY]
Right away, the ticker for Mercer Corp. stock spiked by five points. Typical. One mention from them could shake the market.
They had been the biggest asset management company long before the monsters appeared, and they still ruled the game today.
ding!
The elevator doors slid open, and what greeted me was a massive lobby that resembled an outdoor school courtyard.
A gentle rush of cool, filtered air met me as the doors slid open. The scent of damp soil and faint citrus from the automated sprayers lingered in the air. Rows of manicured trees lined the path, their leaves whispering softly under the artificial skylight.
Surrounding it on all sides were buildings connected by glass walkways. Now I understood why the place had that football-field feel.
Soon, I spotted a crowd of students , and damn, the average looks here were way above normal. Both guys and girls looked like idol trainees. Good thing I'd dressed decently today, or I would've stood out for all the wrong reasons.
They didn't even spare me a glance, so I went ahead and approached a group of pretty girls who looked kind enough to talk to.
"Hi, mind if I ask a few questions?" My voice came out smoother than usual — the effect of activating [Francis' Card] With the resonance active, my charm received a noticeable boost, making it easier to blend with the normies.
One of the girls looked up first . Tall, with wavy brown hair and glasses that gave her a mature but friendly vibe.
"Sure," she responded with a small smile. "You look new. Transfer student?"
"Not exactly," I replied, keeping my tone casual.
Her friend, the one with short pink hair, leaned forward with interest. "Oh? So you're coming back after a break or something?"
"I'm actually looking for someone."
"Oh?" The pink-haired girl tilted her head. "Who?"
"Ella," I replied. "Ella Mercer."
Their expressions changed instantly. The cheerful energy they had a moment ago vanished, replaced by subtle frowns and a hint of tension. Looked like my angelic sister wasn't exactly popular around here.
"Why are you looking for her?" one of them finally asked.
I hesitated for a second, then decided to play it straight — mostly.
"I'm her brother—" I stopped mid-sentence. "No, her stepbrother. Ace Mercer. The only biological son of Daniel Mercer. I'm sure you've heard the name."
All three girls gasped softly, eyes widening as the weight of the surname sank in. I could almost see the calculations forming in their heads.
To seal the deal, I pulled out my black ID card and held it up.
Their expressions flipped from cautious to impressed, even a little flustered. Who could resist the son of a multi-billionaire? The previous Ace might've ignored that kind of privilege, but me? I planned to milk it for all it was worth.
The pink-haired one recovered first, flashing a playful grin.
"Well, talk about a surprise," she said. "Didn't expect that name to drop out of nowhere."
She extended a hand toward me. "I'm Rika. Second-year, Fashion Department."
Girl with glasses adjusted her frames. "Selene. Music Department. It's… nice to meet you, Ace."
The third girl — quiet until now — brushed a strand of black hair behind her ear and smiled softly. "I'm Lyka... Acting Department."
"Good to meet you all," I said, pocketing my card. "Seems like Ella's made a bad impression here."
Rika and Selene exchanged an uneasy look before speaking "I'm sorry… we didn't realize you were her—"
"Don't be," I cut her off with a faint smirk. "I hate her attitude too."
That made them blink , then Rika laughed, trying to stifle it behind her hand.
"Well, that's a relief. Thought we just stepped on a landmine."
"Not at all. Honestly, I have no idea where she got that arrogant attitude from. Her mother's actually really kind and mindful...but that girl? She's too spoiled."
I got a positive response from them .Exactly what I was aiming for.
Ella's always been hostile toward me, so trying to charm my way would be difficult. What I needed was info. Information that would make her dance in my palm.
"How about we go somewhere more private? I want to know more about my dear sister."