Chapter 378: Ice Queen's Father

Chapter 378: Ice Queen's Father



"...That's alright, Maria, thank you."

The man shook his head, denying the waiter, and continued to look outside with a distant gaze, taking a sip every other second.

He appeared to be in his late fifties with a meticulously groomed beard, sharp, discerning grey eyes, and ear-length dark-blue hair that he styled to the left, giving him a noble look. His eyes were stuck on the plaza, scanning its features as if it were a painting.

One that was unlike anything on this Earth he called home.

It was as if all the other sectors remained frozen in the past while this place moved forward, traveling to the future.

A testament to human ambition that bore distinct marks of the Big Eight.

Horizon Holdings' towering skyscrapers dominated the skyline, their facades shimmering with holographic advertisements and digital displays.

Each of these buildings was a fortress of glass and steel, housing hundreds of offices that controlled most of the Earth's land.

Stellar Solutions Inc., a company he was very 'familiar' with, had its influence etched into the very foundation of the plaza.

Minimalistic structures with advanced laboratories, research facilities, and farms stood as beacons of scientific progress where the next big breakthrough was always just around the corner.

The emblem of Stellar Solutions, a stylized shooting star, was emblazoned on each building, and on the man himself, a symbol of their pursuit of innovation.

Quantum Corp's headquarters, a complex of interlocking cubes, was a hive of activity.

Here, some of the brightest minds worked on quantum computing and advanced algorithms that pushed the boundaries of what was possible, creating solutions that powered the other corporations and the plaza itself.

Everything cybernetic was of their making as well, a collaborative effort with CyberNex and Helix Tech.

Now, CyberNex's presence was less visible but equally pervasive.

As known by all, this corporation controlled the virtual network and the technologies associated with it, their influence embedded in the very fabric of Earth's digital infrastructure.

The virtual realities they created were integral to the daily lives of many Corp Plaza's inhabitants.

Nexus Enterprises' buildings were centers of financial power, the banks of the New World.

This corporation managed the vast wealth that flowed through the plaza, ensuring the smooth operation of its economic systems.

Their influence was felt in every transaction, every deal made within the plaza and outside it. Helix Tech had many warehouse-like structures as their factories instead of the usual high- rise buildings that towered above the plaza's ground.

Their augmented suits were a common sight, worn by many of the elite.

Apex Dynamics' went with a route similar to Helix Tech and their influence was also visible in the vehicles that zipped through the air and streets.

They ranged from flying Gravcars to high-class sports cars, all beautiful to the eye.

Hyperion Arms, with its branches like Vanguard, was responsible for the weapons that ensured the corporations' security.

They had showrooms that seemed to never end, reaching the clouds in height. Within, they displayed the latest in military technology, things that even he, Richard, had never seen.

Fierce competitors, like Revenant, hounded them, but, like the rest of the Big Eight, Hyperion's dominance in the market was unmistakable.

'...Boring.'

The man wasn't impressed with what he saw.

Though the view was nice as he was so high above, it was tarnished by the people.

A bee hive that did all they could in order to climb the corporate ladder.

These people, like the less privileged sectors, had long forsaken their humanity and embraced metal, opting for augmentations that promised power at the cost of their very essence and mental fortitude.

He didn't mind that, after all, he was a man of science, a people who always welcomed change.

And without change, Stellar Solutions would lose its purpose.

What he did mind was the result, the consequences such metal brought to the people.

Truly... Richard was just glad that he no longer had to worry about such things.

There were days when his supervisor gave him pretty straightforward tasks; developing a new training module for Stellar's medical department.

measured.

And while he approached Emir, he observed his cohort closely.

Starting around six months ago, they became pretty popular as well, their exploits recounted

in every bar.

Each one carried themselves with a distinct air of confidence, with some more than others.

Amanda and Kiera walked to the right and left of their leader, their eyes scanning the

surroundings with each step.

Jack and Sarah followed, engaged in a quiet conversation, while Evan, Hiro, and Leo brought

up the rear, their expressions alert, trained on him, the approaching man.

"Emir."

Richard called out, his voice cutting through the rain.

The group halted, turning to face him.

Emir's expression remained impassive, but a flicker of recognition passed through his eyes.

"Richard Alexander."

He slightly nodded out of respect, while the others bowed, their hands on their second heart.

"Never thought I'd meet Sofia's father today; it's an honor."

"It's my pleasure; please stand."

Emir met his gaze, and the rest straightened up.

"I must ask, what brings you out on a rainy day like this?"

Richard smiled, though it didn't quite reach his eyes.

"Curiosity, mostly. It's not every day one sees a man like you walking these streets."

Emir's lips curled into a faint smile.

"Business, as always. We're here to discuss some potential collaborations and perhaps a few...

acquisitions."

Richard's interest was genuinely piqued now.

"Collaborations, you say? I hope Stellar is on your list."

Emir's smile widened slightly, a hint of amusement in his eyes.

"Stellar is always of interest. Your work in scientific advancements is unparalleled, without it,

my childhood would be so very different, but I must decline, it's too audacious for us to even

think about collaborating with your corporation."

"Perhaps..."

The ice queen's father didn't deny that and instead pointed at the cafe; he just left with his

thumb.

"Care for a coffee? Luna Noir Café, I'm sure you're familiar with their service."

Emir glanced at the café, then back at Richard.

"I do, the cleaners did great the first time I visited..."

After a moment of contemplation, he said: "Suppose I could use a break. Lead the way."