Central District - Elite Housing Acquisition
Vaelor's next destination was Silverpeak Estates, a premium real estate company specializing in luxury properties for successful warriors and wealthy families.
The showroom was elegant without being ostentatious—floor-to-ceiling windows displaying holographic previews of available properties, comfortable seating areas, immaculately dressed agents ready to assist discerning clients.
A young man in his thirties approached immediately, his practiced smile warm without being obsequious. "Welcome to Silverpeak Estates. I'm Marcus Goldwyn, senior acquisitions specialist. How may I help you today?"
"I'm looking to purchase a mansion," Vaelor said directly. "In the upper district. Self-contained, with multiple bedrooms, modern amenities, garage space for at least four vehicles."
Marcus's professional assessment shifted upward several notches. Direct. Confident. Knows what he wants. Either wealthy family scion or successful Hunter.
"Excellent! We have several properties that might interest you. What's your budget range, if I may ask?"
"Under 300 million," Vaelor said calmly.
Marcus's smile brightened genuinely. "Perfect. I have three exceptional properties in that range. May I show you the listings?"
He gestured to a private viewing room where holographic displays could present immersive property tours.
Twenty minutes later, Vaelor had made his decision.
Thornhaven Upper District - Celestial Heights Residence #47
The mansion occupied a 5,000-square-meter lot in one of the city's most prestigious neighborhoods. Four stories tall with modern architecture blending traditional elements, it featured:
12 bedrooms (each with private bathroom) Professional-grade kitchen with commercial appliances Indoor training hall with basic equipment Library/study with built-in bookshelves Entertainment room with projection system Rooftop garden with city views Underground garage (capacity: 8 vehicles) Refrigerated storage room (climate-controlled, designed for beast meat preservation) Full security system with defensive formations Automated home management AI
Price: 198 million points
"I'll take it," Vaelor said.
Marcus managed to maintain professional composure despite internal celebration. "Excellent choice! The property is currently available for immediate occupancy. I'll prepare the transfer documents."
The purchase process was streamlined for cash buyers. Within an hour, all paperwork was completed, ownership transferred, and security credentials assigned to Vaelor's biometric profile.
Marcus handed over an elegant key card. "Congratulations on your new home. If you need any additional services—furniture, staff, maintenance—Silverpeak provides comprehensive property management."
"I'll keep that in mind."
As Vaelor departed, Marcus watched with satisfaction. Best commission this quarter. That young man is going places.
Luxury Auto District - Four Vehicles
Vaelor's next stop was Azure Motors, a dealership specializing in high-end vehicles for warriors and successful professionals.
The showroom displayed sleek cars equipped with reinforced frames, enhanced engines, advanced safety features, and aesthetic designs that screamed quality.
A saleswoman in her late twenties approached with professional enthusiasm. "Welcome to Azure Motors! I'm Diana Steelwhisper. Are you looking for something specific today?"
"Four vehicles," Vaelor said. "Different styles to suit different personalities. Quality and comfort prioritized over speed. Budget approximately 50 million total."
Diana's eyes sparkled. Four vehicles, 50 million budget. This is my lucky day.
"I have perfect selections! Please, follow me."
An hour later, Vaelor had selected:
Thornhaven Luxury Sedan MK-VII (For his father)
Sleek professional styling Enhanced durability with reinforced frame Advanced autopilot functions Price: 12 million points
Celestial Comfort Cruiser (For Aunt Mira)
Spacious interior with premium comfort features Excellent safety ratings Easy handling for non-warriors Price: 11 million points
Skyline Sport Coupe GT (For his cousin Lyanna)
Stylish sporty design popular with young adults Responsive handling Premium sound system Price: 13 million points
Reserved for Uncle Torven - Practical SUV Model
Versatile utility vehicle Large cargo space Reliable performance Price: 12 million points
Total: 48 million points
"Delivery arrangements?" Diana asked as she processed the payments.
"Deliver all four to Celestial Heights Residence #47, upper district. Tomorrow morning."
"Of course! They'll arrive by 9 AM." Diana's smile was radiant. This commission would secure her bonus for the quarter.
Fashion District - Elite Boutique
Next stop: Threads of Excellence, an upscale boutique catering to discerning customers seeking quality rather than brand recognition.
The proprietor—an elegant woman in her fifties named Madame Celeste—greeted Vaelor personally after his stated purpose.
"Four complete wardrobes, varied styles, emphasis on quality and comfort over fashion trends," she repeated, nodding thoughtfully. "Tell me about each person's preferences."
Vaelor described each family member:
Father (Thorne Draeth): Professional, practical, subtle elegance. Colors: dark blues, grays, blacks.
Aunt Mira: Comfortable but refined. Soft colors, quality fabrics. Professional nurse aesthetic.
Uncle Torven: Casual functional style. Durable materials. Earth tones.
Cousin Lyanna: Young, energetic, trendy but tasteful. Bright colors, modern cuts.
Madame Celeste listened intently, occasionally making notes on a tablet. "I understand completely. Give me ten minutes."
She returned with an assistant pushing racks of carefully selected clothing. Each piece was examined, adjusted, and approved based on Vaelor's input. The selection process took an hour, but the results were perfect.
Total cost: 18 million points
"Delivery to Celestial Heights #47, tomorrow morning?"
"Perfect."
Gourmet District - Monster Meat Market
The final and most important stop: Silver Fang Provisions, a massive marketplace specializing in beast meat from ordinary mutated animals—creatures that had evolved through exposure to ambient mana, qi, blood energy, and other power sources, but NOT abyssal corruption.
Unlike Abyssal Spawn meat (which only warriors could safely consume), ordinary beast meat was safe for civilians and even beneficial—rich in nutrients, life-extending properties, disease resistance enhancement, and general health improvement.
The market sprawled across multiple warehouses. Refrigerated sections maintained different climate zones for various meat types. The air carried a surprisingly pleasant mix of herb seasonings and preserved meats.
A grizzled old merchant named Tobias Frostmeat approached, his experience evident in the way he immediately assessed Vaelor as a serious buyer rather than casual browser.
"Looking for bulk purchases?" he asked directly.
"Yes. Family provisions. Variety is important—multiple meat types, fish, processed and raw. Also energy-infused herbs and vegetables. Enough to completely stock a mansion's refrigerated room."
Tobias's weather-beaten face creased with a professional smile. "Got a family to feed and want them healthy. I respect that. Follow me."
They walked through the warehouse as Tobias explained different options:
Processed Meats:
Crimsonhoof Cattle (beef equivalent, enhanced vitality) Thunderboar (pork equivalent, mild energy boost) Skyfeather Chicken (poultry, improves immune system) Plenty more
Fish:
Silverscale Bass (enhances mental clarity) Deepcurrent Salmon (rich in beneficial oils) Pearlfin Tuna (muscle recovery properties)
Herbs & Vegetables:
Qi-infused root vegetables Energy-enhanced fruits Longevity greens Vitality mushrooms
"I want comprehensive variety," Vaelor said. "At least 2,000 kilograms of various meats, 500 kilograms of fish, 800 kilograms of herbs and vegetables. All highest quality available."
Tobias nodded approvingly. "Smart investment. Quality nutrition is foundation of health, especially for warrior families."
The selection and packaging process took two hours. When complete, the order filled multiple refrigerated transport containers.
Final cost: 85 million points
"Delivery address?"
"Celestial Heights Residence #47. Tomorrow morning, early."
"Done. They'll arrive at 7 AM." Tobias extended his hand. "Pleasure doing business with someone who values family health."
Vaelor shook it firmly. "Thank you for your expertise."
Miscellaneous Purchases
Over the next hour, Vaelor made smaller but important purchases:
Premium bedding and linens: 3 million Kitchen equipment upgrades: 2 million Entertainment system: 4 million Home office equipment: 2 million Emergency medical supplies: 5 million Various household necessities: 8 million
Total Additional: 24 million points
Final Accounting
By the time Vaelor finished his shopping spree, the sun had begun its descent toward the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange and purple.
Starting Balance: 4,234,430,000 points
Expenditures:
Mansion: 198,000,000 Four Vehicles: 48,000,000 Wardrobes: 18,000,000 Food Provisions: 85,000,000 Miscellaneous: 24,000,000
Total Spent: 373,000,000 points
Remaining Balance: 3,861,430,000 points
Still nearly 4 billion remaining, Vaelor thought with satisfaction. More than enough for any future needs.
Everything was arranged for delivery tomorrow morning at Celestial Heights. His family would wake up to find their entire lives transformed.
Now came the more challenging part: getting them to actually accept it.
Crimsonpeak Martial Hall - Consciousness Transfer
Vaelor found a private corner outside the trading district, verified no one observed him, and dissolved the shadow clone.
The consciousness, memories, and experiences instantly transferred across the city to his main body—still training in the gravity chamber at Crimsonpeak Martial Hall.
The original Vaelor opened his golden eyes, receiving the full download of his clone's shopping expedition.
Everything is prepared, both consciousnesses thought as one. Tomorrow, their lives change completely.
But first...
He needed to return home and plant the seeds for acceptance. His family wouldn't simply agree to move into a mansion and accept luxury vehicles. Pride, stubbornness, and genuine concern about being burdens would create resistance.
He'd need to be persuasive.
And he'd need to get his father—a proud border sentinel who'd dedicated his life to protecting others—to resign from the frontlines.
That conversation would be... complicated.
Vaelor stood, deactivated the gravity chamber, and began walking home through the darkening streets.
The sun was setting, painting the city in golden light.
Tomorrow, everything would change for the Draeth family.
Tonight, he needed to convince them it was okay to accept it.
TO BE CONTINUED...