Chapter 36: The Veridian Crown
Moe drove Nathan from Veronica’s quiet neighborhood into the busier parts of Arkis. The farther they went, the more the scenery changed.
Modest houses gave way to apartment complexes, office buildings and commercial districts.
Nathan leaned back in the seat, watching the city pass by as people rushed for their morning routines.
"So, The Veridian Crown," Moe said, breaking the silence. "Nice place."
"That’s what the reviews and ratings say."
Moe glanced at him through the rearview mirror. "You actually take those things seriously?"
"I admit, it’s not the best way to judge a place, but it’s better than nothing," Nathan replied to which Moe simply shrugged.
The drive was several miles from Veronica’s house, according to Boogle Maps, giving Moe plenty of time to talk.
"So," Nathan said, as Moe changed lanes, "I trust you have the things I asked for?"
Moe gestured toward the briefcase sitting in the front seat.
Nathan reached for it and opened it. Inside were an identification card, credit card, and a folder containing account information.
"Fake ID, Matching card and Account details. I also got a hat, face mask and duffel bags." Moe tapped the steering wheel. "Everything you asked for."
Nathan picked up the card, examining it. The card was all black with no details except the gold contact on it.
He had requested it that way to avoid displaying a name on it and because it gave this feeling of being rich. At least that’s what he thought.
As for the ID. It was like any standard ID with his face but a different name. He turned it over in his hand, trying to tell the difference.
"I can’t tell if it’s fake," he admitted.
"That’s the point," Moe replied. "But my eyes are trained for this kind of thing. That’s why I’m the plug."
Nathan chuckled. "Of course, but I’m wondering how much everything costs."
"I’ll send the bill to your DMs," Moe replied with a grin. He went silent for a moment before glancing at Nathan again.
"But I’m curious. Why pick such a name? It doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue."
Nathan smiled. "I have my reasons, it’s a bit of a clue."
Moe sighed. "I see but wouldn’t something like Bruce Stark or Tony Wayne have been slick?"
"Maybe, but those sound like names for a billionaire. And I’m not one," Nathan replied.
Not yet anyway.
Nathan returned the ID to the case and glanced at the account details in the folder.
| Name: Kalled Creed |
| No: 6656-404-0819 |
| incognito Finances |
Nathan frowned at the bank name. "Can this platform be trusted?"
"Of course," Moe replied, giving him a glance through the mirror. "The name might be strange but..." He tapped the steering wheel.
"The bank has no physical location but works all the same like a normal bank. You can log in to the platform and manage your account details. Details including the card pin are in the folder."
Nathan nodded and in a moment, the familiar bell chime of the system appeared.
[Ding! The system has detected an account affiliated with the host.]
[The System notes the account is registered under a different name from the host’s]
[Would you still like to bind the account?]
[Yes] [No]
’Yes’
[Binding Successful!]
’Send two million to Incognito Finances account’
[Transfer Successful!]
Nathan willed the system balance to display his accounts.
[System Balance: $28,968,300.31]
[Stone River Acct: $550]
[Incognito Finances: $2,000,000]
Nathan stared at the numbers for a moment. Besides the luxurious conditions, he had picked the hotel because it gave him another excuse to keep pushing the rebate, this time in comfort.
He willed the screen away and packed the items he had ordered into the bags and briefcase Moe had provided. He put on the hat, sunglasses and face mask.
Several minutes later, the towering structure of The Veridian Crown appeared ahead of them. Its glass exterior reflected the morning sunlight. A massive green crown logo sat above the entrance.
Nathan stared in amazement. "Damn," he muttered.
Moe smiled. "Told you it was nice." He pulled the car towards the entrance and Nathan got out with his bags. Moe greeted him goodbye and left.
Nathan stood with his bags and observed his surroundings. Luxury cars were parked along the curb. Guests entered and exited through revolving doors while hotel staff moved around them.
He stepped through the door, feeling the cool air and was greeted by the lobby.
The interior of the lobby was quite spacious. The marble floor reflected the enormous crystal chandelier hanging above and everything looked clean and polished.
The reception desk stretched in one corner and was staffed by several people, wearing polished suits.
For a moment, he felt out of place. Like a commoner amongst nobility covered by fancy clothes. But the system card in his pocket was real and so was the money.
That alone was enough to boost his confidence. He approached the front desk. The receptionist, a woman in her thirties, smiled warmly.
"Welcome to The Veridian Crown. How can I assist you?"
"I’d like a room," Nathan said, taking off his sunglasses. "Premium suite."
"Of course sir." The woman replied and began typing. "The premium suite is located on the upper floors and costs around fifty grand a night."
Nathan maintained a neutral expression despite the price making his eyebrows want to rise. "Judging by the price, there must be lots of services attached."
The woman flashed a smile. "Of course."
"The premium suite includes access to our private lounge, complimentary breakfast, room service, concierge services, and access to the spa and fitness center," she added.
Nathan nodded not knowing what some of those services meant. He rested a hand on his chin. "Sounds good. I’ll be staying for a month."
"That would be roughly one point six million, sir," she replied.
Nathan briefly wondered why rich people stayed in hotels instead of just buying houses. But then again, he was about to find out anyway.
He handed the incognito card to her for payment. Nathan doubted he would use the card much. The system card was perfect for his needs but it had his real name on it and obscured details.
The receptionist took the card and entered the details into the terminal. After a moment, she looked up.
"May I see your identification, Mr. Creed?"
Nathan handed over the fake ID, lowered his mask and took off the sun glasses.
She compared the photograph with his face, then checked the name against the card.
"Mr. Kalled Creed," she said, handing it back. "Everything appears to be in order."
She processed the payment and Nathan inputted his pin and the transaction was confirmed.
[Spent: $1,600,000]
[Rebate (2x): $3,200,000]
[System Balance: $32,168,300.31]
[Incognito Finances: $400,000]
The receptionist’s smile became warmer. "Here you go. Enjoy your stay at The Veridian Crown, Mr. Creed."
She handed Nathan his incognito card and a keycard. "Would you like anything else arranged during your stay?"
Nathan thought about it as he collected the items. "Nothing else for now."
"Well in that case, Have a wonderful day sir."
"Thanks. You too."
The woman nodded and glanced at someone and soon after, a hotel attendant arrived to take his bags.
They escorted him and soon, he was in an elevator ascending to the upper floors.
A few moments later, the elevator doors opened and they both stepped out. The attendant led him through a quiet hallway and stopped in front of a large door.
"Here you are, sir."
The door was large and imposing. It featured an electronic key lock with a number pad. Nathan swiped the keycard across the reader.
Click!
The lock released with a soft hiss. He pushed the door open and stepped inside. His eyes widened.
"Woah..."