CHAPTER 188: A TIRED MAN

The lobby of the five-star hotel radiated an air of tranquil sophistication, an oasis of luxury that felt almost otherworldly.

Majestic, high vaulted ceilings soared above, their surfaces adorned with shimmering windglass that captured and refracted the ambient light, creating an ethereal glow that danced throughout the space.

Elegant banners, each woven from gossamer fabric, floated gently overhead, as if they were animated by a breeze that existed solely to enhance the lobby’s refined atmosphere.

Beneath Alex’s feet lay a sprawling expanse of polished marble, its surface glistening like a tranquil lake under the moonlight.

Silver-blue mana lines, intricately veined across the floor, pulsed rhythmically with each step Alex took, imbuing the space with a sense of vitality and magic.

Soft ambient music enveloped the air, a delicate symphony of harps and flutes that seemed to flow from the very architecture itself, creating a soundscape that was both soothing and captivating, drawing guests into a state of blissful repose.

As Alex moved closer to the front desk, he was struck by the sight of the long, gracefully curved counter crafted from pale sky-stone, its surface smooth and cool to the touch.

The two receptionists, impeccably attired in deep emerald vests that accentuated their professionalism, wore gloves patterned like gentle winds, adding to the picturesque tableau.

Behind them floated a mesmerizing circular display, suspended in a translucent mana field that flickered softly, showcasing the hotel’s various tiers, opulent rooms, and exclusive services, inviting guests to indulge in a world of luxury and comfort.

"Good evening, sir," one of the receptionists greeted with a smile, her voice soft and polished. "Welcome to The Cirrus Crest. May I have your name, please?"

Alex offered a polite smile and adjusted the silver-framed glasses he wore as part of his illusion. "Yes. Gabriel Vance," he replied, smoothly—using the name NOVA had crafted for this persona.

The receptionist nodded once and pressed a sequence into the floating terminal. A few glimmers of light swept past her screen as the system validated his fabricated documents and credentials.

"Thank you, Mr. Vance. Your reservation has been confirmed—Suite 61-W on the Wind Crest level." The receptionist’s voice was warm and inviting as she gestured toward the corridor.

"You’ll find the elevator to your left. Your keycard also doubles as a personal guide; it will project a miniature map of the hotel as you move through its halls. If you need anything during your stay, simply tap it and speak."

With both hands, she offered him the thin silver-blue keycard, her demeanor respectful as she inclined her head in a slight bow. "Enjoy your stay."

Alex returned the gesture with a subtle nod, accepting the card with a mix of curiosity and anticipation, and turned toward the elevators.

As promised, the card pulsed softly in his palm, a gentle warmth radiating from it as he walked. A translucent projection blossomed above it—a delicate map of the hotel intricately woven from shimmering strands of mana-thread, tracking his movements and illuminating a clear path toward his suite.

The elevator ride was an experience in itself. The cabin was a marvel of design, its transparent walls offering an unobstructed view of the hotel’s grand interior as he ascended.

He gazed in awe at the spiraling walkways lined with lush greenery, suspended gardens swaying gently in an unseen breeze, and floating mana-lights casting a gentle glow, imbuing the space with an ethereal ambiance.

Every detail spoke of a wealth that harmonized elegantly with nature, exuding sophistication without a hint of ostentation. It was a world woven into a cohesive tapestry of luxury and tranquility.

He arrived on the Wind Crest level, one of the upper tiers reserved for VIPs and clan-affiliated guests.

The hallway greeted him with dim azure lighting, soft carpeting, and walls made of tempered glass that looked out over the quiet rooftops of the outer Wind Clan city.

Reaching the door to his suite, Alex tapped the card once against the panel.

A soft chime, and the door slid open.

The suite inside was breathtaking—spacious and refined, a balance of luxury and simplicity. Flowing curtains framed a wide panoramic window that revealed the moonlit cityscape, the twin moons hanging like pale sentinels over the Wind Clan’s ordered sprawl.

The furniture was artful: low-profile, carved from wind-treated wood, set upon patterned rugs that whispered with each step. Soft blue mana crystals lit the room with a calm ambiance.

Alex stepped inside without a word and closed the door behind him.

Then, he reached into his space storage, and took out an oblong stone etched with runes—the same artifact he’d used back on the island to mask his presence.

But this time, he didn’t activate it at full range.

Instead, he tuned its flow, altering its field to encompass only the interior of the suite. A ring of dull light pulsed outward, and within moments, the room was wrapped in a mana-silencing veil, cutting it off from any outside divination, sensing, or scanning.

Alex exhaled slowly, his posture relaxing for the first time since setting foot in Russia.

A flash of white light shimmered beside him, and then—

"Took you long enough," a low, sulky voice rang out.

From the pocket dimension, Nyxara emerged in a sudden cascade of light and form. Her sleek striped fur bristled slightly, her golden eyes narrowing as her tail flicked with clear irritation.

"I’ve been stuck in that pocket for hours," she huffed, stalking forward and leaping lightly onto one of the room’s elegant couches. "Do you know how boring it is not being able to see the city? This place smells like history and arrogance."

Alex didn’t respond to her nagging. Still in disguise, he loosened his tie, adjusted his posture, and sank into the couch across from her. He leaned forward slightly, elbows on knees, and stared at the floor for a brief moment.

Then he let out a slow, deep breath.

One of a man carrying a burden too great for him to bear.