The Party (2)

As Erik and Mira navigated through the bustling crowd, each step was met with eager faces and respectful nods. The room buzzed with an undercurrent of excitement, and Erik, hidden behind his mask, felt the weight of many gazes fixed on him.

People, drawn by his newfound prominence, flocked to them, extending hearty congratulations for his achievements. They addressed Erik in a formal tone, calling him "Master Kay," a title that felt foreign to him. Mira, by his side, shared in the awkwardness, her discomfort mirroring his.

Among the throng, entrepreneurs and influential figures proposed collaborations. They pitched ideas and ventures, seeking to intertwine their paths with Erik's. The proposals ranged from business partnerships to strategic alliances, with each person more enthusiastic than the last.

Erik, unaccustomed to such attention, nodded along, his responses measured but non-committal.