2025-01-07 23:53:27I stared at George , a smug face of condensation and my fist clenched at my sides the nerve of him—him and Sarah standing there has if they owned the world, looking down on me like I was still that broke delivery boy , trying to scrap across to the next week.
My heart pounded in my chest, fury bubbling up
"Pick anything, and I will pay."George said again ,as if I was deaf, a mocking grin stretching across his face
I gave a small laugh, not because of amusement but because I couldn't believe his audacity.
The store went silent , eyes turned into us. I could feel the weight of the stares—the wealthy clientele, the store associate ,all watching the little show George had decided to put up on. He must have thought that, this was his chance to humiliate me in front of everyone.
"Crazy, aren't you?"George added his grin widened as he replaced his hand on my shoulder in a fake show of camaraderie
" You are wasting time, boy."
I shrugged his hand off, with a force that made him stumble back a little. Sarah's cruel laugher rang out beside him ,echoing in my ears. My jaw tightened.
"Thomas , why are you doing this to yourself ? Change ,okay ?" She asked her voice dripping with condensation
I felt my vision blur for a moment not with tears ,but with anger. But I couldn't let them win. No. They wanted to drag me down, to see me react like the 'old' me but that wasn't who I was anymore ,was it?
King Of Steeze didn't follow trends,he sets them.
"Change?" I scoffed ,finally breaking my silence.
"I have changed . And you are about to find out just how much."
George rays and eyebrow, clearly enjoying the spectacle.
"Oh, really? Well, go on then, Mr Bigshot . Show us what you have got."
The moment stretched as everyone in the boutique turned the eyes towards me. The sales associate who had been helping me earlier ,stood silently against flickering between us.
Sarah smirked ,clearly enjoying my discomfort —or what she thought was my discomfort.
With a deep breath ,I squared my shoulders ,turning to the sales associate. "I will take this five suits . Tailored ,the best materials you have ,and let's add some shoes to match."
Her eyes widened as she realized I wasn't joking. "Five suits?"she echoed , unsure if she had had correctly
"Five," I repeated firmly ,my voice steady .I could feel George's stare burning into my back, as I reached into my pocket and pulled out my phone
I glanced down at my phone ,at the money in my account ,my heart raced . This was the game pushing me, testing me and I was ready to rise to the challenge . The money wasn't just for show, this was real, this was me leveling up.
As the associate gathered my selection, George couldn't help but sneer, "Don't embarrass yourself ,Thomas . We both know you can't afford a single suit here, let alone five."
I turned to him ,a cold smile spreading across my face .
"You know ,George ,some people stay the same , stuck in their pathetic little bubbles of arrogance , but me , I have been busy leveling up."
Before he could respond , I tapped my phone against the payment terminal. The chime echoed through the store like a victory bell. I turned the screen towards him ,showing the receipts for all five suits $100,000 and the final total.
Silence.
George smirk vanished , his face twisting in disbelief. Sarah's eyes bulged as she glanced between me ,George and the receipt.
I couldn't help but laugh ."What is wrong George ? Thought I was going to ask you to pay?"
He stammered ,trying to find his words but came out. The sales associate handed me the receipt and my change a thick wad of cash. Without a second thought ,I tossed the money towards George and Sarah. The wad of bills flew through the
air , scattering across the polished floor like confetti.
"Keep the change." I said my voice dripping with mock courtesy
I turned around and went into the changing room and came out minutes later all dressed up.
Sarah's eyes bulged almost falling to the ground, I adjusted my suit , hearing the murmurs as people began to move.
Like vultures , they scramble to pick up the bills, hands reaching and grabbing as the money fluttered down. Even the employees looked shocked by the turn of events. George and Sarah stood frozen ,humiliated as the crowd around them fought over the cash.
I stepped away from the counter grabbing my purchase with ease.
"Thomas." George j finally spat out his voice trembling with anger.
"You think this changes everything? You are still the same loser you have always been."
I paused, then turned slowly to face him ,a smirk playing on my lips."Maybe I was, but not anymore."
The murmurs around us grew louder ,people clearly entertained by the scene unfolding before them . George's face flushed red with embarrassment and rage.
Sarah clutched her purse tightly, trying to maintain what little dignity she had left.
I was quite sure that they won't believe what just happened here not even in a million years to come.
I gave them one last glance, then turned to leave . The automatic door slid to open and the cool air of the city hit my face. As I stepped outside , dressed like a boss , the adrenaline still pulsed through me ,my heart raced not from fear but from exhilaration
Ding.
~Level One: Aura Of Appearance —Completed.~
The words appeared in front of me floating in the air. A sense of accomplishment washed over me as I read them. This was it. The first step towards something bigger. Something better.
~Congratulations ,Thomas. You have completed level
One of King of Steeze~
A new chime rang from my phone.
~Your next challenge awaits~
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