Time flew, and before you knew it, September had come.
On a morning when the sun had yet to make its appearance in the sky, SoHo looked different than usual. Dozens of people in heavy jackets huddled in front of a shop called Golden Hammer Shop. They brought tents, folding chairs, and other supplies to make the wait comfortable.
These people had been lined up neatly in front of the shop door since midnight even though it opened at 9am. They all queued up from the wee hours of the morning just to buy a weapon that had become a hot topic of conversation in the past six months—Elemental Gun.
Today was the first day the Elemental Gun was available in the market.
"Hey, hey look!!!"
When the time struck 9am, the faces that had been sleepy became excited. A store staff opened the door, and a low rumble could be heard among the people waiting in line. They immediately got up with overwhelming enthusiasm, and the staff fell down, facing the dozens of customers who had flooded in.
Inside the store, they saw a pile of Elemental Guns neatly arranged in a glass display case. They immediately crowded around the display case while brandishing credit cards and money.
"Give me one!"
"Take my money, goddamn it!"
"It's mine, you asshole! Take off your hand"
The atmosphere became chaotic as the packaged Elemental Gun was taken out in the display case. While the customers fought with each other, the cashier seemed overwhelmed by them.
The people who had obtained the weapons partly went home, and partly chatted with the shopkeeper, discussing how to use the Elemental Gun properly.
In just thirty minutes after the store opened, all the Elemental Guns were sold out.
It was just one of the stores, not yet the other stores owned by Golden Hammer Company that were scattered all over the USA. Elemental Gun sold out on their first day of sales.
Thanks to the vigorous promotion through various media, the news about the power and ability of this artificial arcana had spread quickly among the awakeners across the country. It was not only those who wanted to purchase the weapon, but also ordinary people.
The Elemental Gun's feature that anyone could use without having to experience awakening was the main selling point of this weapon. It attracted most of the non-awakener potential buyers. They would fly in from other states and queue up at night just to get their hands on an Elemental Gun.
In a world where superpowered humans and monsters existed, the Elemental Gun became a savior for the weak.
...
Night fell on New York City.
The atmosphere of the Grand Launching at Mors Industries was grand and full of excitement. Twinkling spotlights emanated from every corner of the building, creating an eye-catching glow.
Dozens of journalists in formal attire were seen crowding at the entrance with two tall poles standing firmly, adorned with a luxurious red ribbon running between them. Above them, hung a large gold-colored sign with the elegant Mors Industries logo.
Once inside the lobby, a red carpet stretched out, inviting journalists to enter the main room where the event was held. They were mesmerized by the decor, which was complemented by fresh flowers and a beautiful mini garden as they walked through the lobby.
The main room was spacious, adorned with crystal chandeliers that hung gracefully from the ceiling. In the center of the room was a large stage filled with an orchestra of talented musicians, and the smooth and pleasant sound of classical music played in the background, creating a soothing atmosphere.
Inside, the specially invited guests were already present. They looked elegant and formally dressed. While they chatted and laughed happily, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere, the staff of Mors Industries swiftly moved around the room, with gentle and sincere smiles serving each guest.
All business partners with Mors Industries attended this event. Jacob Blake and a group of ladies were seen chatting away. Terry Owen was seen going around from table to table sampling the dishes. Some people wanted to talk to him, so they could make connections, but he ignored them. And Richard Dickson was seen having a serious discussion with the executive staff.
Suddenly, the lights in the room went out, and all the guests' attention was drawn to the main stage.
With a focused spotlight, a beautiful woman appeared with an elegant and confident look. The journalists then raised their cameras.
"I am Alexandra Cohen, CEO of Mors Industries, and it is with great pride and excitement that I welcome you all to the Grand Launching of Elemental Gun."
Warm applause echoed after Alexa gave a warm welcome, along with clicks and bursts of white flashes of camera light.
She gave an inspiring speech about the company's vision and mission, and recognized the employees who have contributed to the company's success.
"Tonight is not just about celebrating success, but also a moment where we all look to the future with even greater confidence. That's all I have to say. Enjoy the party."
Clap! Clap! Clap!
Applauded ended Alexa's speech after she stepped off the stage.
The atmosphere at Mors Industries was burning with excitement. The party continued with famous artists performing popular songs, entertaining and inviting all the guests to dance in the center of the stage. The spotlights flickered to the beat of the music, creating a lively and energetic atmosphere.
Guests, including executives, company employees, and business partners, flocked to the center of the stage to share in the enthralling excitement. They danced up a storm, laughing incessantly and singing the lyrics of familiar songs, while journalists covered them.
In between, Klaus stood leaning against the wall sipping wine.
He could never get used to the euphoria. For some reason, he preferred to stay away from the crowd, standing outside the city so that he could observe everyone like a god.
"You don't seem to be enjoying this party, Klaus." A hoarse voice reached Klaus' ears.
Steve arrived with a plate of fresh fruit.
"Well, I'm more interested in shutting myself in the den for a whole year than attending a party," Klaus replied.
"You're like me, my son. Parties just drain our energy."
Silence fell over them. Both were silent and observed more of the people who were partying.
In this grand launching event, Klaus not only invited his business partners and employees, but also invited guild members and their families.
On stage, Joanna danced and laughed with Olivia. The two women seemed to be getting along better than ever. Klaus didn't know how they restored their relationship, but he was happy to see it. On the other side of the hall, Sheila and Sylvia seemed to be having a serious conversation while holding different shades of lipstick. Klaus suspected his secretary was teaching Sylvia how to use make-up, considering the girl was very tomboyish.
Justin looked more authoritative than before. He was seen chatting seriously with the staff members. Even the aura of celebrity disappeared from him. For some reason, Klaus saw his men thriving.
In addition, there was Anna who was having a good laugh with her best friend, Julia Winston. The two of them were surrounded by elegant women of high quality materials. Judging from the look on his mother's face, Klaus was sure that Anna was bragging about him to her friends. They were the same women who invested their money in Klaus.
"How was it? Satisfying, isn't it?" asked Steve.
"What?"
"I mean your achievements. I've heard everything, Klaus. The 15,000 units of Elemental Gun that hit the market sold out on the first day, and Mors Industries made 150 million dollars in net profit. You also made alliances with major guilds and even managed to revive SoHo. You did great."
Steve sounded proud as he said it, and Klaus raised his eyebrows to see his father smiling. It was a sight to behold. His father rarely showed that expression, and Anna often scolded him for it.
The man showed his smile only for Klaus.
In the middle of a father and son's conversation, a white-haired man approached them. The expression on Steve's face changed after coming face to face with Richard.
"Sorry to interrupt your conversation. May I join you?"
"Sure," Steve replied.
The two began to chat at length, while Klaus watched in silence. After a few laughs and cracking jokes, they ended their conversation.
"Well, you have a funny taste, Mr. Richard."
"I learned that from your son."
"Looks like you have some business Klaus. I'll be going then."
The smile on his face disappeared after Steve said that. He nodded his head at Klaus and left them.
"I didn't know you were close to your father," Richard made small talk.
"Not really. We only talk when it's important."
Richard bounced his head up and down. "Anyway, the others have gathered. It's just the two of us who haven't."
As the party grew more lively, Klaus and Richard left the main hall. They walked down the lobby until they came to a meeting room.
There, Three important people were already sitting at the table. They were Alexandra Cohen, Terry Owen, and the Chairman of the Divine Ursine Alliance Guild—Jacob Blake.
