"Lilith," he murmured, his voice carrying softly over the balcony as if speaking to the air itself.

"Show me the medicine," he said deliberately, focusing.

A faint glow gathered in the center of the panel, coalescing into the shape of a single vial. Alex leaned forward, eyes narrowing as he read the description.

[ELIXIR OF ABSOLUTE RESTORATION]

[Cost: 10,000 CP]

[Description: A rare alchemical creation, unmatched even by the Seven Great Families. This elixir fully restores the mortal body, healing all visible and hidden injuries, purging toxins, dormant poisons, and cellular damage. Beyond recovery, it upgrades the body to a higher tier of capability, unlocking its full potential and preparing it to handle greater transformations.]

[One-time use only]

Alex paused, studying the words. "Unmatched even by the Seven Great Families? I thought they had access to healing medicines."

Lilith's laughter slithered into his mind, soft and mocking. "Oh, darling, they have trinkets. Expensive little bottles their brightest lab rats cobble together from half-baked formulas and wishful thinking."

"What do you mean?" he asked, leaning closer to the shimmering vial.

"They play with toys," Lilith replied smoothly, "while you hold tools of gods. This is divine technology, pure and unbroken. You'll be the first mortal to wield it. Imagine the shock when what should take months happens in minutes."

Alex's pulse quickened. Without hesitation, he confirmed the purchase. Reality seemed to shimmer for an instant, then solid weight rested in his hand.

The elixir was mesmerizing... neither glass nor crystal, yet it seemed to hold the light of distant stars. The liquid inside shifted from gold to silver, to colors that had no names, pulsing with a warm, inner glow.

"My god," he breathed, turning the vial carefully. "This is incredible."

"And that, darling," Lilith purred, "is only the beginning."

Alex held the elixir with reverent precision, then thought of keeping it safe. Immediately, the inventory interface appeared, exactly as he knew it would.

A simple mental gesture guided the vial inside, and it vanished from his hand, yet its presence remained... a tangible reassurance of its readiness.

His villa papers were already stored inside, alongside a few personal cards and other essentials. Everything rested there neatly, organized without effort, accessible yet completely secure.

He stared for a moment, letting the simplicity sink in... he had never imagined such convenience, such control at his fingertips.

Leaning back in the balcony chair, Alex allowed himself a rare smile.

"Efficient… and convenient. Everything in one place, nothing to lose," he murmured.

For a long moment, he sat in silence, letting the sun warm his skin and the view of the six surrounding villas sink in.

***

The engine of Alex's car purred to silence as he pulled up in front of the luxury real estate office.

The building itself was a shrine to wealth... tall glass windows, white stone pillars, the name etched in brushed steel across the entrance.

He adjusted his cuffs before stepping out, the sunlight catching against the fine cut of his suit.

Today, he was alone... Victoria was not with him... and he already knew the treatment he would receive would be completely different.

As he pushed open the glass doors, the usual quiet hum of the reception shifted imperceptibly.

The usual quiet hum of keyboards and muted conversations about property values... seemed to pause. Heads turned almost instinctively.

Alex's presence was magnetic. Sharp jawline, piercing eyes that held both danger and allure, and an effortless grace that needed no validation.

Even the seasoned staff couldn't ignore the subtle shift in the room.

It wasn't arrogance... he simply carried himself in a way that drew attention, demanded acknowledgment without uttering a single word.

The sales staff noticed first. Young women in fitted office wear glanced up from their desks, and their practiced professionalism faltered.

One's pen slipped from her hand, another quickly tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, as if preparing for battle.

God, he's so handsome…

Not the usual paunchy old tycoon they get… he looks like someone out of a drama series.

If he's here, he can definitely afford something big. Even if he can't… who cares? When will we get another chance to talk to someone like that?

Their thoughts betrayed them as their eyes sparkled with unspoken curiosity. Within moments, two of them had already crossed the floor with rehearsed smiles.

"Good afternoon, sir," she said, a playful lilt in her voice as her eyes briefly lingered. "Looking for something… special today?"

"We have some exclusive listings just released... you'd love them," another added, her voice softer, almost teasing.

Soon, three more had gathered, the circle tightening as they competed to draw his attention.

Offers poured out... brochures waved in manicured hands, promises to arrange private viewings, subtle compliments wrapped in professional courtesy.

The office that had always been stiff and sterile now hummed like a hive around a single flower.

Alex's lips curved faintly. He didn't need to say much... just a glance, a polite nod... and yet their eagerness deepened. They weren't just trying to make a sale; they were basking in the rare thrill of proximity.

But before the atmosphere could tip into chaos, the click of heels cut through the buzz.

"Ladies."

The voice was steady, slightly amused, carrying the authority of experience. She moved with measured steps, every gesture precise and commanding. Unlike the younger sales staff, her eyes held no flustered shine… only recognition.

The circle around Alex stiffened, shifting aside with tight smiles and suppressed sighs, their whispers threading through the air like reluctant acknowledgment.

Alex's gaze locked on her instantly. He knew her.

She had been there the day Alex arrived with Victoria Blackwood.

"Mr. Hale, I'm Caroline Vance" She said with a welcoming smile that blended warmth with professionalism. "It's good to see you again."

Alex arched an eyebrow, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "You remember my name…" he said, voice tinged with surprise.

Caroline smiled knowingly, tilting her head just enough to let a hint of amusement show.

"Not every day someone arrives with Mrs. Blackwood, Mr. Hale. Names tend to stick when the person behind them leaves an impression."

"Please... this way." She gestured to a private seating area upholstered in deep leather, positioned away from the busy floor.

As Alex followed, the younger staff exchanged glances, their curiosity growing sharper now that they realized this wasn't just any walk-in client.

"I'll inform the manager immediately," She added smoothly once he was seated, her voice lowering in confidence. "I'm sure he'll be delighted to assist you."

Alex leaned back in the chair, every movement unhurried, radiating control. Around him, the office buzzed in whispers.

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