The infinity pool on the sky garden terrace rippled gently under the night breeze, its edge blending seamlessly with the vast expanse of Nova Prime's glittering skyline below. Ethan Voss reclined on a plush lounge chair, the fire pit nearby casting flickering warm glows across his elixir-sculpted features. The Revenant Tourbillon on his wrist caught the flames' dance, diamonds scattering light like captured stars. The city thrummed endlessly—distant honks from river traffic, the low hum of hover-vehicles stacking in vertical lanes, neon billboards pulsing with life: promotions for Celestial Fiction Hub's trending serials, holographic trailers for adaptations of epic tales (his tales, transcribed legends reshaping Auroria's cultural landscape). Scents wafted up faintly: nightlife aromas from floating lounges—spiced cocktails, grilled delicacies, subtle perfumes of the elite mingling on decks.
His god-level meal lingered in satisfaction—flavors still echoing on his palate, a masterpiece born from intuitive mastery. The penthouse felt truly his now: deliveries integrated, wardrobe a fortress of luxury, devices humming with quantum readiness, vault securing gems that could fund small nations. Billions flowed from unfrozen royalties, control over Celestial Fiction Hub cemented in that boardroom conquest. From traverser orphan grinding in obscurity to this apex—in mere days. The Supreme Tycoon System's novice gift had catapulted him, but hints lingered: spending triggered subtle energy, perhaps more rewards brewing.
Family thoughts surfaced warmly. Parents in their modest mid-ring home, unaware yet. Elena, his quirky sister—teasing him endlessly about his "bookworm hermit" days during university. Gifts waited: jewelry for mother elegant and heartfelt, for Elena vibrant and youthful; Nexus devices customized for their needs. Visit soon—reveal gradually, elevate their lives without overwhelming.
But the Nexus Elite Pro on the table beside him vibrated softly—notification chime customized to a subtle orchestral swell. Author backend message thread: Liora Thorne's reply.
He picked it up, holographic screen projecting crisply in the night air. Her words flooded back: overflowing gratitude, admiration bordering on reverence. "Apex Sovereign God! Your works saved me during dark times—transcendent, soul-stirring masterpieces! I'm your biggest fan, aspiring writer too. Begging for any guidance, even a word!"
Profile attached again: stunning young woman, early twenties—long raven hair cascading in waves, eyes bright with passion and intelligence, features delicate yet strong: high cheekbones, full lips curved in a genuine smile from her photo. Bio detailed: avid reader, platinum commenter on his novels—insights sharp, predictions spot-on during plot twists. Her own serial modest: fantasy romance with cultivation elements, slow but dedicated following.
Ethan's interest deepened. In his previous life on Earth, fans messaged endlessly, but few stood out. Here, in Auroria's booming web novel scene, talent scouts were common, but as platform owner and supreme author... opportunity. Apprentice tradition in the industry: masters guiding promising newcomers, accelerating growth. Chemistry potential—her passion mirrored his old grind, beauty a bonus in genre tropes.
His response sent earlier: "Talent recognized. Guidance possible. Share your latest chapter—impressions honest."
Her reply now: explosion of text, emojis restrained but excitement palpable. "God! Thank you infinitely! Attaching draft—nervous, but honored. Anything you say, I'll improve!"
File downloaded: chapter from her serial *Whispers of Eternity*—female lead navigating immortal sects, romance threading with action.
Ethan read leisurely, pool lights reflecting on the holo-screen. Writing raw but promising: vivid descriptions of sect landscapes, emotional depth in protagonist's struggles, plot hooks solid. Flaws evident—pacing rushed in battles, dialogue occasionally stilted, world-building inconsistent in rules.
Feedback composed mentally: constructive, encouraging—master to apprentice.
"Strong foundation," he typed. "Imagery evocative—sect mists feel alive. Emotional beats hit hard. Improvements: slow key fights—build tension layer by layer. Dialogue naturalize—read aloud test. Consistency in cultivation stages—chart them early."
Sent—with invitation: "More potential than most. Serious? Deeper guidance available. Meet in Nova Prime—coffee, discuss in person."
Heartbeats passed. Reply: "Serious beyond words! Nova Prime? I'm here—university student at Central Auroria Academy! Anytime, anywhere! Grateful eternally!"
Central Auroria Academy—prestigious liberal arts, strong creative writing program. Fitting.
Arranged: tomorrow afternoon, riverside cafe neutral—River's Edge Pavilion, elegant spot with views, privacy booths.
"Confirmed. Look forward."
Her final: adoration pouring—"Dream come true! Won't disappoint!"
Screen dimmed. Ethan set the device aside, leaning back to stars emerging through light pollution. Liora Thorne—first thread in building inner circle? Apprentice loyal, talent nurtured under his wing. Subtle attraction hinted in photos, messages. Genre favored such: master-apprentice bonds deepening.
System silent—no new tasks, but tycoon path implied growth through investments, alliances.
Morning planned: family call first, perhaps visit. Then meeting—scout talent, perhaps recruit.
Night deepened, breeze cooling. Penthouse AI dimmed lights on cue, fire pit embers glowing.
Sleep called—master suite bed vast, sheets premium silk enveloping his perfected form.
Dreams: empires expanding, loyal allies rising, romance threads weaving.
Dawn approached—new day, new conquests.
Nova Prime slumbered lightly, his ascent accelerating.
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