Frostborne Returns: Invincible Snow Lord

Chapter 8: Novacore Energy, The Fallen Giant

Seated in the luxurious car, Kael gazed out the window, observing the city of Eryndor in daylight. Unlike the dazzling nightlife he had witnessed, the daytime painted a different picture—a bustling metropolis where towering skyscrapers loomed over well-maintained roads, and crowds of people moved with purpose. Vendors lined the sidewalks, businessmen in tailored suits rushed between meetings, and digital billboards flashed advertisements for luxury brands and high-end technology.

Kael’s eyes flickered with interest. This world had adapted well to the loss of magic, relying entirely on technology to drive civilization forward. So this is modern human society… He tapped his fingers against the leather seat, already calculating how to navigate it.

The car slowed to a stop in front of NovaCore Energy. The driver quickly stepped out, walking around to open the door. “We’ve arrived, sir,” he informed respectfully.

Kael stepped out, his gaze immediately settling on the towering structure before him. The stark contrast between Eryndor’s prosperity and NovaCore’s desolation was undeniable. Once a grand corporate giant, the headquarters now stood as a ghost of its former self. Its once-pristine glass panels were dull with dust, and the massive company logo above the entrance was faded. The parking lot, which should have been filled with cars, was nearly empty, save for a few outdated vehicles.

Behind him, the car smoothly pulled away, leaving him standing alone before the fallen titan.

The air was eerily silent. Few employees wandered the premises, their expressions tense, weighed down by uncertainty. Unlike the bustling corporate energy most companies exuded, NovaCore felt lifeless.

As Kael approached the entrance, two uniformed security guards stationed at the glass doors immediately stiffened. One, a middle-aged man with graying hair, stepped forward, his sharp gaze scanning Kael’s unfamiliar face.

“Sir, this is private property,” the guard said firmly. “State your business.”

Kael met his gaze with a calm yet imposing presence. “I’m here to see whoever is in charge.”

The guard exchanged a quick glance with his partner before responding. “Do you have an appointment?”

Kael’s voice remained steady. “No need. I own this place.”

For a moment, silence hung in the air. Then, from the scattered employees lingering nearby, hushed whispers broke out.

“What did he just say?”

“Did he… did he say he owns NovaCore?”

“Wait… wasn’t the company bought out last night? Could he be the one?”

The guard hesitated, clearly skeptical, but under Kael’s unwavering stare, he finally relented. “I’ll have to confirm with management. Please wait here.”

With that, he stepped inside, leaving Kael standing at the entrance, his presence alone stirring a storm of speculation.

The security guard returned after a brief moment, his expression conflicted but professional. He gave Kael a nod.

“You can go in,” he said, pushing open the glass doors.

Kael stepped inside, his gaze sweeping over the interior. The lobby, though once grand, carried a sense of neglect—dim lighting, faded carpets, and reception desks that looked outdated. A handful of employees milled about, casting wary glances at him.

Behind the main desk, a young receptionist in a navy blue uniform watched his approach. She sat upright, her fingers poised over a keyboard, her professional demeanor slightly shaken by his commanding presence.

“Can I help you, sir?” she asked, her tone polite but wary.

Kael’s cold blue eyes met hers. “I am here to take over NovaCore.”

After Kael told the receptionist he was here to take over NovaCore, she hesitated before asking, “And… your name, sir?”

“Kael von Everfrost,” he stated.

She blinked, processing the unfamiliar name, before quickly picking up the phone.

“Director Vance,” she spoke into the receiver, her voice careful. “There’s someone here… He claims to be the new owner of NovaCore. His name is Kael von Everfrost.”

A pause. Then, she nodded and set the phone down.

“The director will see you,” she said, rising from her chair. “Please, follow me.”

Kael walked behind her as she led him through the dimly lit hallways. The deeper they went, the more signs of neglect showed—scuffed floors, flickering lights, and outdated office furniture. The remnants of a once-prosperous company.

Soon, they arrived at a wooden door with a worn brass nameplate: Acting Director - Harold Vance.

The receptionist knocked. “Sir, Mr. Everfrost is here.”

“Come in.”

She pushed the door open and stepped aside, allowing Kael to enter. Inside, Harold Vance sat behind a cluttered desk, papers stacked in neat but overwhelming piles. His graying hair and lined face spoke of years of stress, yet his sharp eyes analyzed Kael with a mixture of skepticism and curiosity.

Kael took a seat across from him without invitation. The room was silent for a moment before Vance spoke.

“So… you’re the one who bought NovaCore.”

Kael nodded. “That’s right.”

Vance leaned back slightly, studying him. He wasn’t arrogant, nor was he overly humble—just a man who had seen enough hardship to be cautious.

“You don’t look like someone who’d invest in a sinking ship.” His tone wasn’t mocking, just matter-of-fact.

Kael’s lips curled slightly. “And yet, here I am.”

Vance exhaled, nodding slowly. “Fair enough.” He picked up a document, flipping through it briefly before setting it down. “The legal transfer went through early this morning. That makes you NovaCore’s new owner.”

As he pushed the file forward, Kael skimmed through the papers. Everything was in order.

“I’ll need to meet the department heads,” Kael stated.

“I figured as much,” Vance replied. “I’ve already called them. They should be here soon.”

A few minutes later, the office door opened again, and several individuals entered—engineers, financial officers, and senior staff. Their expressions ranged from curiosity to outright concern.

Kael rested his hands on the desk. “Let’s begin.”

The executives straightened, exchanging uneasy glances.

Kael’s expression remained unreadable. “The first step is recalling those employees who left.”

Murmurs broke out among the executives. An older man with glasses adjusted them with a frown. “Do you truly believe they will return? People abandoned this company because they saw no future here.”

Kael’s sharp gaze swept over them. “That was because they had no leader. Now they do.”

The room fell silent again. There was an undeniable authority in his words.

Harold sighed, rubbing his temples. “And what exactly is your plan to revive NovaCore? We need funding to even begin operations again.”

Kael leaned back slightly, his mind recalling the Business Knowledge Pack he had absorbed. Countless strategies and market insights swirled in his thoughts, merging seamlessly with his own intelligence. He had absorbed theories of corporate restructuring, financial management, and even unconventional methods of securing capital.

His thoughts sharpened. Right now, NovaCore needs cash flow—not slow negotiations with hesitant investors.

He met Harold’s gaze. “First, we reestablish a workforce. Then, we identify a market gap and position NovaCore for a resurgence.” His voice was steady, unwavering. “But for that, I need capital.”

An executive scoffed. “Good luck finding investors.”

Kael exhaled, amused. “Who said anything about investors?” He rose from his seat, dismissing the meeting with a wave of his hand. “Leave that to me.”

As the executives hesitantly stood to leave, Harold remained behind, watching Kael closely. “And how exactly do you plan to secure such funds?”

Kael paused for a moment. His mind had already connected the pieces. The Business Knowledge Pack didn’t just cover boardroom tactics—it contained high-level financial strategies, including asset flipping and alternative investments.

A business empire isn’t always built by playing safe.

He smirked. “That’s for me to know.”

---

Once alone, Kael leaned back in his chair, his fingers drumming against the desk. Funding… That was the first hurdle. Without capital, even the best revival strategies were meaningless.

His mind sifted through the vast knowledge embedded in him. The Business Knowledge Pack detailed countless financial tactics—leveraging assets, flipping undervalued properties, high-stakes trading, and alternative investments.

But what applies to Eryndor?

The streets of this city were unlike the empire he once ruled. Here, wealth wasn’t built on land and resources alone—it flowed through industries, markets, and hidden opportunities.

Then, a memory from the meeting surfaced. Some assets can appreciate beyond imagination. One right purchase, one overlooked gem, could be worth millions.

His hand instinctively reached into his coat pocket, pulling out the sleek business card Aaron had given him. Until now, he had ignored it, but with his newfound knowledge, its significance became clear. A guide through Eryndor’s financial underbelly.

With a decisive motion, he turned to a nearby employee. “Get me in contact with Aaron Cole.”

The employee hesitated for only a moment before nodding and hurrying off to make the call.

Minutes later, the glass doors of NovaCore swung open, and Aaron strolled in with his usual carefree grin. “Alright, I came as fast as I could—” His words faltered as he took in the scene.

Employees passed by, offering respectful nods and addressing Kael as “Chairman Everfrost.” The air carried an undeniable shift—one of authority and recognition.

Aaron blinked, momentarily stunned. “Wait… you’re the one who bought NovaCore?”

Kael gave a slight nod.

Aaron let out a low whistle, running a hand through his hair. “Damn. And here I was thinking you were just some rich aristocrat playing tourist.”

Kael crossed his arms. “I called you because I need guidance. You said you know Eryndor’s streets well.”

Aaron’s smirk returned, intrigued. “Alright, what’s the plan?”

Kael’s gaze sharpened. “I need to acquire antiques—valuable items that people underestimate. Things I can resell for millions.”

Aaron raised a brow. “That’s a high-stakes gamble. You sure you’ve got the eye for it?”

Kael’s smirk deepened. “You’d be surprised.”

Aaron exhaled in disbelief before chuckling. “Alright then, where are we headed?”

Kael’s voice was firm. “Not the auction house. Not yet. We start lower—pawn shops, street markets. That’s where hidden treasures are.”

Aaron let out a short laugh, shaking his head. “You really are something else, Kael.”