Chapter 45: The Calm Before
Back in the suite, Nathan settled on a couch. He poured a glass of wine and connected the recording device to his laptop.
He swirled the wine in his glass as the audio played.
The voices of his friends filled the room and he listened quietly. His fingers tightened around the glass until he finally stopped the recording.
For several seconds, he stared at the screen then he exhaled.
He then got up and stepped onto the balcony. The view of the city was just as lively at night as it was during the day.
Colorful lights streaked across the streets while buildings glowed against the darkness. From up here, everything seemed peaceful, almost beautiful.
Nathan rested his arms against the railing. His thoughts drifted back to his friends. They had been part of his life for years.
People he’d trusted and laughed with. He had taught Zach to drive, served as a wingman to Jayden and helped cover for Leon to his parents.
Nathan never knew they resented him. He took another sip of wine and frowned at the view
Funny how things turn out.
He stayed there for several minutes before returning inside. There was still plenty he needed to do.
And revenge wasn’t going to pay for itself.
---
The next morning, he woke up surprisingly refreshed. He reached for his phone and sent a message to Moe
[Hey man. I need somewhere private.]
He received a response after half an hour.
[@ISimpForLadyMight : Private?]
Nathan thought about it for a moment.
[A building or warehouse I can use in a secluded area.]
[I’m willing to buy the entire building and land if necessary.]
The dotted typing indicator appeared.
[@IsimpForLadyMight: Got it. I’ll check and get back to you.]
Nathan frowned in thought as he considered what other things he needed.
[I also need burner phones.]
[@ISimpForLadyMight : how many?]
[Ten would do.]
Moe sent a thumbs up and Nathan paid for the phones and closed the chat.
[Spent: $3500]
[Rebate (2x) : $7000]
[System Balance : $32,188,800.31]
Nathan looked at the screen for a moment. Reaching thirty million had given him his physique but what else could the system offer.
He frowned at the realization that he hadn’t done any workouts. After breakfast, he got dressed.
He wrapped his hair, wore his mask and left his room to explore the hotel’s fitness facilities.
The gym was considerably larger than he’d expected. Machines lined the room, weights occupied one side, and several guests were already exercising.
Nathan walked to a rack of dumbbells and picked them up. For some reason they felt less heavy than he expected.
An instructor eventually noticed him. "You train often?" he said as he approached.
Nathan glanced at him. "Not really."
The instructor frowned as he examined him through his suit. "Seriously?"
Nathan shrugged.
The man looked him over again. "You’ve got a good frame from what I can see."
"Thanks," Nathan replied. "Is there something you’d?"
"Of course but I’d have to see your form." The instructor scratched his temples. "I apologize for how odd that sounds."
Nathan chuckled. "No problem. Although I have to admit, I don’t have gym clothes."
"Oh," the instructor frowned at the realization. He pointed to a section of the gym where a stack of clothes in plastic bags were arranged.
"You can use those. Compliments of the hotel."
A moment later he stepped out, feeling the shirt hug his body tightly. The pants were loosely fitted which he was glad for as they hid his anklet.
Nathan noted the change in the instructor’s demeanor as he approached.
"Woah. You’re quite fit." the instructor said as he examined Nathan from every angle like he was some work of art.
"You flatter me," Nathan replied.
"No seriously man," the instructor replied. "I think you should be my instructor."
Nathan chuckled. "Can you recommend workouts to maintain this physique?"
The instructor nodded and gave him pointers, helping him with proper posture. He kept at it until someone else called the instructor away.
Nathan kept at the workouts until his muscles burned.
Even with the change in his physique, he could feel the effects of the workout. He stopped after a couple of hours.
The chime of the system rang in his head and a screen flashed in front of him.
[Ding! The Host has trained his body for the first time since receiving the effects of the Fortitude skill.]
[The system is pleased with the Host and has issued two rebate tickets]
[Item Received: Rebate Ticket - x3 ]
[Item Received: Rebate Ticket - x5 ]
Nathan stared at the notification.
’Rebate tickets. The ones I can apply to whatever I spend on?’
[Yes. The ticket can trigger rebates on whatever the host spends on asides from himself.]
[The Host may use the tickets by ripping them apart or mental command.]
Nathan scratched his chin. He couldn’t wait to use them but he was curious about something else.
’ So about those extra features you were–’
[Information on this is not available to the host at this time]
Nathan sighed and willed the screen away. He had to test the tickets later. In the privacy of his suite.
He took a shower, bid the instructor good bye and left the gym.
He checked out the spa and sauna areas. The spa was all marble floors and soft lighting, the air thick with various pleasing scents and incense.
He didn’t book a treatment, just sat in the relaxation lounge for a few minutes, letting the quiet settle over him.
The sauna was smaller. He stepped inside, let the heat wash over him, and closed his eyes. Sweat beaded on his skin.
After a few minutes, he stepped out, feeling lighter.
---
Nathan returned to his suite around afternoon.
He took a long shower, changed into comfortable clothes and returned to the living room.
He activated the Do Not Disturb on the tablet.
He grabbed some snacks from the mini fridge and sat down to watch a show on a cat and a mouse.
For a moment, he simply enjoyed the quiet and peace the atmosphere brought.
KNOCK! KNOCK!
Nathan turned his gaze toward the door. He recalled he hadn’t ordered anything.
He checked the tablet and saw the DND was still active.
Another knock came which made him get up reluctantly. His hand settled on the door he opened it.
"You’re bothering—"
Nathan’s words died in his throat as the person in front of him pulled out a gun and pointed it directly at his face.