From Loser to Mighty

11

Dave left the thrift store with the Soul Guardian Urn in his hand. He walked without any particular destination, enjoying the lively city atmosphere. His steps led him through the upscale shopping district, until finally his eyes landed on a magnificent, towering building: the Grand Emerald Hotel. Crystal lights sparkled in the lobby, a red carpet was laid out at the entrance, and expensive cars were neatly lined up. Elegantly dressed people were coming and going, as if there was a big event inside. Dave didn't know what kind of event it was, but curiosity drew him closer.

He was carrying the unsightly urn given to him by the thrift store owner. The urn was wrapped in thin cloth, but its shape was still clearly visible. Dave wanted to take a look around, maybe there was something interesting inside. Dave's instinct told him he had to attend this event; it must be the one Karina had talked about.

As Dave approached the main entrance, he was stopped by two burly security guards.

"Excuse me, sir," A man named Harrison stopped Dave with his hand. "Only special invited guests are allowed inside."

Dave looked at him. "I just want to take a look. What kind of event is going on inside?"

Chloe, one of the staff members, glanced at the urn Dave was carrying with disdain. "Just 'take a look'? Do you think this is a market? This is a private event for the Young family. And you're not invited."

Harrison looked Dave up and down. Dave's clothes were simple, and he was carrying an urn that looked like junk. "Get out of here. You don't belong here."

"I don't mean to cause any trouble," Dave said. "I'm just curious."

"Curious about what?!" Chloe sneered. "You think you can get into a high-class event like this looking like that? And what is that you're carrying? Some broken urn from the trash?"

The insult stung. Dave remained calm. "Common people like you aren't fit to insult my special item!"

"Special item?" Harrison laughed cynically. "People like you usually just look for opportunities to steal. Get out now, before we drag you out!"

Dave sighed. He was tired of this kind of treatment. He came out of curiosity, but he was always underestimated.

"Tell me how I can get into this event." Dave was still stubborn.

"Tell you?!" Chloe scoffed. "Who do you think you are?!"

Harrison stepped forward. "Don't make us use force." Just as he was about to grab Dave, a familiar voice came from behind him.

"What's going on here?"

It was Isac. He had just come out of the hotel lobby, looking sharp in an expensive suit, as if he was checking on event preparations.

Isac approached, looking at Dave. His eyes widened slightly.

"Mr. Isac!" Harrison immediately went up to Isac, looking panicked. "I apologize for this commotion! This man tried to get in without an invitation, and he refuses to leave!"

"Mr. Harrison, Ms. Chloe," Isac said, his voice calm but full of authority. "Step back."

Harrison and Chloe were surprised. They hesitated for a moment, but Isac was Mr. Markus's main assistant. His orders had to be obeyed. They backed away, but still looked at Dave suspiciously.

Isac looked at Dave. "Master," he said, his voice soft and respectful. "What are you doing here?"

Harrison and Chloe's eyes went wide. Master? This strange man was called Master by Mr. Markus's main assistant?

Dave looked at Isac. He was a little surprised by the greeting. "I was just passing by. What kind of event is going on here?"

Isac gave a faint smile. "I'm sorry, Master. I can't explain the details right now. I'm very busy. But since you're already here, please come in, Master. I'll take care of it."

Harrison stammered. "But, sir, he doesn't have an invitation."

Isac gave Harrison a cold stare. "He's an important guest of Mr. Markus. No invitation needed!"

Harrison bowed his head, his face pale. "I'm sorry, sir. I... I didn't know."

"Now you do," Isac said. He turned to Dave. "Please, come in, Master. I need to get back to preparations."

Isac gestured for Dave to enter, then turned and hurried away, back into the bustling lobby.

Dave nodded. He stepped inside, passing the bewildered and respectful gazes of the hotel staff. The unsightly urn was still in his grasp. He never expected to enter such a luxurious event in this manner.

As he walked through the crowd, several pairs of eyes glanced at him with curiosity, then turned into disdainful stares when they saw the urn in his hand. Dave ignored them. He was used to such looks.

He was almost at the entrance of the grand ballroom when a sharp voice stopped him. "Hey! You!"

Dave turned. Alex Winter, Karina's cousin, stood not far from him. Alex's face looked surprised, then turned to disgust and anger. He was wearing an expensive tuxedo that fit him perfectly, looking much neater than when they last met at the Winter mansion.

"You again?!" Alex said, stepping closer. His eyes scanned Dave from head to toe, then stopped at the urn in Dave's hand. "What are you doing here?! How did you even get in?!"

Dave remained calm. "Nothing. Just happened to be allowed in."

Alex laughed cynically. "Who would let a bum like you in? Don't make jokes! Who would invite trash like you to an important Young family event?! You must have snuck in, right?!"

Some nearby guests started to turn their heads, drawn by the commotion.

"How dare you talk like that. I know the right way to get in here!"

"The right way?!" Alex sneered. "Show me that antique you're carrying!" He snatched Dave's item and then laughed at it.

"With that ugly urn? Do you think this is a flea market?! You must be here to steal, right?!" Alex pointed at the urn in Dave's hand. "What is that? Your stolen goods?"

Dave didn't have time to deal with a foolish man like Alex.

"I'll make sure you get dragged out of here! Security!" Alex called out.

Several hotel security guards nearby immediately approached, seeing Alex's angry demeanor.

"This man is a trespasser!" Alex pointed at Dave. "He tried to get in without permission! Drag him out!"

The security guards looked at Dave suspiciously. They saw his simple appearance and the urn in his hand.

"Sir, we kindly ask you to leave this area," one of the security guard said.

"I'm not leaving," Dave repeated.

"You have no choice!" Alex yelled. "I'll make sure you rot in jail!"

Dave sighed. He knew this would happen. He had to find a way to get into the hall without causing too much of a scene. He didn't want to use force again, especially in a public place like this. He had to find Karina.

Just as the security guards were about to grab Dave, another voice was heard. A deeper, more familiar voice.

"What's going on here?"

Dave turned. It was Karina. Finally, he met the girl.

Karina seemed both embarrassed and pitiful to see Dave being treated like this. "What are you doing here? How did you get in?"