Chapter 14: Another Day

Mateus woke up slowly in his king-size bed. Still half asleep, he moved lazily to the bathroom. Upon entering, his first stop was the mirror. He stared at his reflection, carefully observing the man he saw there: his black hair was disheveled, giving him a unique charm early in the morning. His dark eyes, deep as dark jewels, shone with an enigmatic air.

"Hmm... I'm still handsome," he thought with a narcissistic smile.

Then he turned on the shower and spent almost an hour under the cold water, letting the bath awaken his body and mind. Refreshed, he got dressed and headed to the office.

Now, sitting at his desk, Mateus looked at the pile of papers he needed to review. Instead of starting to work, he slumped lazily in the chair, staring at the paperwork with a sigh.

After a few minutes, he muttered: "Status."

An information panel appeared before his eyes.

[Status]

Owner: Mateus Oliveira

Age: 26

Health: 10

Intelligence: 8

Strength: 10

Agility: 10

Charm: 10

(The average for an adult is 5; the maximum for a human is 10)

Mateus looked at the data and raised an eyebrow. "My intelligence is no higher than 8... it seems that to raise that level you have to be one of those... geniuses," he mused, letting out a slight, ironic laugh.

"Well," he thought, "it's not like I need to be a genius for everything. The system helped me with this by providing me with some of the best talent for the company..."

Curious, Matthew decided to explore more resources. "Show me the Mall," he commanded.

A list appeared with several categories:

Advanced Technology: Assistance robots, drones, personalized artificial intelligence.

Elite Vehicles: Sports cars, yachts, aircraft, and even spaceships.

Real Estate: Luxury homes, private islands, mountain fortresses.

Social Influence: Access to power networks, control of corporations, political influence.

With a light touch on the Technology section, Matthew opened the Mobile Devices tab. He was surprised to see the variety of cutting-edge gadgets available. In addition to futuristic smartphones and tablets, there were options that seemed to come straight out of a science fiction movie:

●Holographic Virtual Assistant - an artificial intelligence that projected a 3D avatar, capable of interacting with the environment around it and executing commands complex.〔7 trillion dollars 〕

●Neural Integration Chip - a device that allowed the human brain to connect directly to virtual networks, providing an almost total symbiosis with technology.〔5 trillion dollars 〕

●Surveillance NanoDrones - tiny drones equipped with high-precision cameras, used for remote monitoring and personalized security.〔2 trillion dollars 〕

Matthew examined everything with enthusiasm. "With this, I can take the company to new heights," he thought, visualizing the endless possibilities ahead of him.

He finally closed the panel and prepared for the day. After all, more than just numbers and technology, the true power he possessed was the ability to decide how to shape his empire.

---

Matthew went down to the garage, and as soon as the lights came on, the space came to life, revealing his impressive collection of vehicles. The air was filled with the faint scent of leather and metal, and the polished surroundings reflected the bright colors of the cars. The garage was a true automotive paradise, where each vehicle seemed to tell a story of luxury and exclusivity.

Just ahead, he spotted his Lamborghini Aventador SVJ in a vibrant shade of metallic orange. Its aerodynamic design and angular lines highlighted the pure speed that the machine promised. This car, with its 770 horsepower V12 engine, was valued at around 2,671,890 Aurums ,a true work of art on wheels, made to be admired and feared on the track.

Beside it, rested his Ferrari 488 Pista in scarlet red, with carbon fiber details. The twin-turbo V8 engine and sporty design made it one of Mateus' favorites, offering power and precision in a breathtaking package. This beauty didn't go for less than 1,706,100 Aurums.

At the back of the garage, a Porsche 911 GT3 RS in metallic gray, with lime green details, drew attention with its aggressive look. It was a car designed for the track, but Mateus enjoyed driving it around the streets just to feel the immediate response of the flat-six engine. Estimated value? 969,375 Aurums — another valuable investment in his fleet.

Finally, there was a McLaren 720S in a dark shade of blue, with its doors that opened upwards, like the wings of a futuristic creature. Every curve and sculpted detail on this car was an example of high-level British engineering. Priced at 1,545,830 Aurums, it was another symbol of status and technology in his garage.

Mateus looked at his collection with discreet pride.

Mateus chose his Porsche 911 GT3 RS for the drive. With the powerful roar of the engine filling the air, he left the house at an increasing speed, feeling the power of the engine respond immediately to his commands. The feeling of freedom overcame him, as the car glided through the streets like a beast in motion.

As he drove through K-City, his gaze took in the skyscrapers and the pulsating life around him. The city was bustling with activity; the glass buildings reflected the vibrant lights of the billboards, and the hotels and bars were full of people moving at a fast pace. Matthew enjoyed the view, immersed in the urban scene that mixed luxury and nighttime energy.

Shortly after, he stopped at a shopping mall in the upscale commercial area. As soon as he turned off the engine and the Porsche fell silent, the impact of his presence was immediate. Men and women walking around the area turned their attention to the car. The men whispered to each other, commenting on the model, the power, and discussing the price and technical details of the Porsche, trying to impress each other with their knowledge.

The women, on the other hand, were more intrigued, trying to guess who could be behind the wheel of such a sophisticated car at that hour. When Mateus finally opened the door and got out of the car, he did so with the calmness of someone who knew the impact he was making. He slid out, revealing his imposing and elegant appearance. Dressed in a casual and sophisticated suit, he exuded confidence and charm, and his dark eyes carried a mysterious glow that caught the attention of anyone nearby.

Some women could not hide their interest and tried to catch his attention, winking or adjusting their clothes in a more revealing way. Some, more daring, even smiled directly at him, hoping to be noticed. But Mateus, indifferent, kept a serious expression, analyzing the environment with an air of disinterest, as if the commotion around him was just another detail of the night.

With firm and controlled steps, he walked towards the entrance of the mall. Each movement reflected a mixture of elegance and self-sufficiency, leaving a strong impression both on the curious people who commented on the car and on the women who continued to observe it, fascinated by the presence of a handsome, rich young man who was completely oblivious to his surroundings.