The Aftermath of the Final

The apartment was chaotic, but in the best way possible. Elliot sprawled on the couch, still processing the night before. "So, let me get this straight… we just crushed the most prestigious AI competition on the planet, rewrote the rules of artificial intelligence, and I still have to pay rent?"

Marcus, sitting at the dining table with his laptop open, smirked. "Capitalism waits for no man, Elliot."

Esterio sat at his workstation, barely listening. His screen was flooded with messages, offers from companies, interview requests, even government agencies subtly reaching out.

Elliot scrolled through his phone. "MIT wants us to give a lecture. Tesla wants us to 'connect.' And I think this guy from NASA just sent us a 'casual invitation to discuss opportunities.'" He shook his head. "I'm telling you, man. We should've worn superhero capes when we walked off that stage."

Marcus smirked. "Yeah, except in every superhero story, something goes terribly wrong right after."

Elliot clicked his tongue. "Yeah, but Tony Stark at least got to build Iron Man in a cave. We're still stuck in a tiny apartment with a busted coffee machine."

Esterio rubbed his temples. "Let's just focus on what's next. We need to see what Hyperion says."

At that moment, his phone buzzed with a notification. Hyperion had just announced the official victory ceremony.

The following day, the stadium was packed beyond capacity. What was supposed to be a routine winner's ceremony had transformed into an international event, The massive screens played highlights from the final match, EVO breaking the system, stabilizing the simulation, and leaving even Hyperion's engineers speechless,

Then, the crowd erupted into cheers as Hyperion's CEO, Jonathan Reyes, stepped onto the stage.

"Tonight, we celebrate a new chapter in AI history. Team EVO didn't just win. They changed the field forever." A massive applause followed as he gestured toward the team. "Esterio Caelan, Elliot Vance, Marcus Kane, please step forward."

Esterio didn't love the spotlight, but he had no choice. As they walked onto the stage, thousands of eyes locked onto them.

Reyes shook their hands, then addressed the audience again. "As per Hyperion's tradition, we grant our champions access to exclusive research labs and full funding for their next innovation."

The crowd cheered loudly.

Elliot leaned in and whispered, "This is nuts. Are we supposed to make a speech?"

Marcus whispered back, "Just smile and nod. It works for politicians."

Elliot sighed. "Damn. Would've been the perfect time to drop a cool one-liner. Like, 'I am inevitable' or something."

Flashes from cameras, the hum of the audience, and the realization that their lives had fundamentally changed set in. Esterio knew that after today, nothing would be the same.

Following the ceremony, they attended an exclusive dinner hosted by Hyperion, a more private affair compared to the grand celebration. The team enjoyed their meal, engaging in light conversations, their laughter mixing with the low hum of music in the background. Elliot was busy raiding the buffet. "Free Wagyu steak? Yeah, I'm not questioning anything."

Marcus, ever the businessman, was already talking to potential investors. Esterio, however, started feeling the weight of everything that had happened. He pushed his chair back and stepped outside onto the balcony, taking in the view of the sprawling Los Angeles skyline, the city lights flickering like distant stars.

"Not a fan of crowds?"

Esterio turned. Dain was there, holding a glass of whiskey.

"I prefer solving problems to talking about them," Esterio politely admitted.

Dain chuckled. "Good. Because I have a problem that needs solving."

Esterio raised an eyebrow. "Which is?"

Dain leaned against the balcony railing, his gaze fixed on the city lights. "You ever wonder why Hyperion is pushing AI or technology development so aggressively? Why do governments and corporations throw absurd amounts of money into it? It's not just about business, Esterio. It's preparation."

Esterio crossed his arms. "Preparation for what?"

Dain took a slow sip before continuing. "Think bigger. There's a competition out there beyond what you know, one that has existed for longer than any of us have been alive. Countries aren't just competing with each other; they're preparing to compete with forces beyond Earth. Hyperion is just one player in a much larger system,"

Esterio's fingers tightened on the balcony railing. "You're talking about something way beyond an AI contest, what are you really asking?"

Dain smirked. "You're already in it, whether you like it or not. You proved that with EVO. Now, the real question is, do you want to play on your own terms or let someone else decide for you?"

Elliot walked past, plate stacked high with food. "You guys are brooding way too much for a victory party. Did someone just tell you aliens are real or something?"

Dain chuckled. "Depends on how fast you can handle world-changing conversations. But sure, enjoy your steak while you can."