The night descended upon the city in waves of gold and glass.

The skyline of Alkon City was lit up by the waning sunlight, and thousands of glass windows of all the buildings in the city glimmered in the golden hues, like pieces of flaming amber. Today, only luxurious cars can be seen rolling across the roads towards the same place.

Grand Aurora Hall stood out for its fame, a place where money and power came together under crystal light chandeliers and bright, happy smiles of people rich enough to afford it.

Marble flooring of the hall gleamed with the glow of enormous chandeliers hanging above, elegant music could be heard softly through hidden speakers, while elegantly dressed waiters were offering drinks on silver platters to distinguished guests.

Today, Grand Aurora Hall received guests capable of reversing fortunes of entire companies within a matter of minutes.

But despite the luxurious atmosphere....

Tonight was not truly a celebration. It was a silent war disguised as elegance.

At the entrance stood Aiden. He was dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit, he greeted guests one after another with calm professionalism. Every movement looked practiced. Every smile controlled. "Welcome. I’m glad you could make it tonight."

A middle-aged businessman shook his hand warmly. "Aiden, good to see you again." He glanced around the venue with visible approval. "Impressive setup. Nathan Industries really went all out this year."

Aiden smiled politely,"We wanted tonight to leave a strong impression."

The businessman chuckled,"Well, judging by the decorations alone, I’d say your investors are already impressed."

"We’re hoping the discussions tonight will be just as successful."

"Haha. Confident too. I like that." The man leaned slightly closer. "I heard representatives from Mirai Corporation are attending."

Aiden’s expression remained composed. "That information spreaded fast."

"In our world? Information spreads faster than viruses."

Aiden gave a faint smile,"Then I suppose tonight will be interesting."

The businessman laughed before moving deeper into the hall.

A younger executive approached next. "Aiden, congratulations on Nathan Industries’ recent growth."

"Thank you."

"Your expansion into the banking sector surprised a lot of people."

Aiden adjusted his cuff slightly. "We simply saw potential opportunities."

The executive grinned knowingly,"And stepped directly into your rivals’ territory."

Aiden paused, then answered,"We believe healthy competition improves industries."

The executive laughed loudly,"That sounded dangerously corporate."

The two shook hands before the guest moved away.

Another investor couple arrived soon after.

The woman smiled politely. "This hall looks beautiful tonight."

"We’re honored you attended."

Her husband added, "I heard tonight’s banquet is more than just an anniversary celebration."

Aiden’s eyes briefly shifted toward the center of the hall. "...Business opportunities tend to gather naturally in places like this."

The husband chuckled. "That’s a diplomatic answer."

Aiden smiled calmly. "I try my best."

As the couple left....

Aiden finally exhaled quietly. The pressure tonight was heavier than usual. Nathan Industries had expanded rapidly over the past year. And rapid growth naturally attracted enemies.

"Sir."

Aiden turned slightly.

One of his senior employees approached him. "Sir, several overseas representatives have arrived."

"Already?"

"Yes. The financial investors from Japan and South Korea both confirmed attendance."

Aiden nodded. "Good. Make sure they’re seated properly near the eastern section."

"Understood."

The employee hesitated briefly,"And... Mirai Corporation’s executives have entered the venue."

Aiden’s gaze sharpened slightly,"I see."

The employee lowered his voice. "People are already speculating tonight might turn tense."

Aiden calmly adjusted his sleeve. "Let them speculate."

Then he added quietly,"As long as tonight ends without problems."

The employee nodded and left.

For a moment....

Aiden stood silently observing the hall.

...

"Took you long enough." He turned.

Toma walked toward him.

For a brief moment, even the noise around them seemed to fade.

She wore a soft, elegant dress that caught the light with every step. Her hair fell neatly over her shoulders, and there was a quiet confidence in the way she carried herself tonight.

Aiden’s expression softened slightly.

"You made it."

Toma smiled. "Of course. You invited me, remember? I also thought you needed a friend to give you confidence in such an important event."

He gave a small nod. "You look... good."

She laughed lightly. "That sounded very formal."

"...It’s a formal event," he replied, almost defensively.

She shook her head, amused.

Before either of them could say more....

A new presence approached.

A man stopped a few steps away.

Grey hair. Grey moustache. Sharp eyes that didn’t match his age. He wore a dark suit, perfectly tailored, his expression calm but carrying a weight that didn’t need to be shown. He saw Aiden standing with Toma.

With a low voice he said "Aiden." For some reason, his voice was very familiar.

Aiden’s gaze hardened slightly. "....Mr.Kuroda. It’s a surprise seeing you here."

Mr.Kuruda, a key figure of the rival company.

With a laugh Mr.Kuruda said," Ha..ha..ha young generations with their jokes of this category these days."

Toma glanced between them, sensing the shift in atmosphere. "You know each other?"

Kuroda gave a faint smile. "In this line of work, it would be strange if we didn’t."

His eyes briefly moved to Toma. "And this is?"

Aiden answered before she could. "A guest."

Toma stepped forward slightly anyway. "Toma."

Kuroda nodded once. "A pleasure."

Then his gaze returned to Aiden.

"You’ve grown," he said calmly. "Your company as well."

Aiden didn’t smile. "We’re still growing."

"Hmm." A quiet hum escaped the older man. "But growth attracts attention." His tone remained neutral but the meaning underneath wasn’t.

Aiden met his eyes. "You don’t have to worry about that. We can handle attention."

For a moment....

Neither of them spoke. The air between them tightened like two sides measuring each other without making a move.

Then Kuroda let out a small breath, almost amused," I suppose we’ll see."

He turned slightly, preparing to leave.

But before stepping away....

"...Enjoy the evening," saying that he walked off.

Toma exhaled softly. "Whoa... that felt... intense."

Aiden didn’t respond immediately. His eyes remained fixed on the direction the man had gone. "...He’s not someone you should underestimate."

Toma looked at him. "Rival company?"

Aiden nodded once. "One of the biggest."

She glanced toward the crowd again. "...Then tonight really isn’t just a celebration, is it?"

Aiden finally looked back at her. "No."

Behind the crowd, we see a familiar figure standing.

[system window] A gentle reminder

[reminder] User’s scene has shifted

[System Notification: Webcomic Event ’The Banquet Ceremony’ has begun]

Mr.Nobody was standing in the event, dumbfounded.

"Fu** nooooo!"