The warehouse stood imposingly against the skyline, its sleek and futuristic design setting it apart from the industrial buildings surrounding it.
Lena was already there, standing with her arms crossed, waiting for Ethan and Jessica to arrive. She had gotten there early, her eyes taking in the striking architecture.
“I wonder how much wealth he has,” Lena muttered. Even as one of the main heirs of the Volkovs, she couldn’t spend without limit like Ethan did. She looked around, wondering what the inside looked like.
The building was a masterpiece, unmistakably the work of Luca Moretti, the renowned architect who had designed the NovaTech headquarters. His signature style was evident in the structure’s bold lines, smooth curves, and innovative use of space.
It was no surprise that Jessica had suggested this property—she knew how much Ethan admired Moretti’s creations.
The warehouse’s exterior gleamed in the fading sunlight, a facade of reflective metal panels seamlessly integrated with black-tinted glass. LED lights ran along the edges of the roof and corners, giving it a subtle glow that would illuminate the building at night.
There were no traditional windows; instead, expansive, translucent panels allowed natural light to flood the interior while maintaining an air of privacy.
Ethan and Jessica’s car pulled to the front, and Lena waved as they stepped out. They joined her before walking toward the entrance. A pair of sleek, automated glass doors slid open soundlessly, inviting them inside.
The moment they entered, they were greeted by the expansive, open interior that combined aesthetics with functionality. The ceiling was high, almost cathedral-like, with exposed steel beams crisscrossing overhead.
Soft LED lighting strips ran along the floor and ceiling, casting a cool, modern glow across the space. The polished concrete floors reflected the light, adding to the futuristic feel.
On the left side of the main hall, the training area was still empty, waiting for the arrival of state-of-the-art exercise and martial arts equipment. The floor was marked with sections for different activities, and each space was carefully planned out for various training routines.
Empty stands were prepared to hold advanced machines, and power outlets were already in place for future interactive displays showing real-time metrics.
Along the walls, sleek touchscreen panels were ready to be activated, designed to adjust the intensity of exercises once the equipment was set up.
In the corners, empty brackets awaited the installation of holographic projectors, which would eventually simulate combat scenarios and training drills.
On the right side, Ethan noticed several glass-walled rooms—conference spaces for strategic meetings, each equipped with smart boards and interactive tables capable of projecting 3D models.
Some rooms even had small kitchens designed for team meals and breaks, a thoughtful touch for long training sessions. Ethan has hired chefs to prepare the best meals for the Ascendants.
The back wall held a massive digital screen that displayed anything from training schedules to surveillance feeds. In the far corner, Ethan saw a sleek, futuristic lounge area with modern couches and tables designed for the Ascendants to relax and regroup after training.
“Wow,” Jessica said, clearly impressed as she looked around. “I knew Moretti’s designs would appeal to you, but seeing the interior almost completed is something else.”
Ethan nodded, taking in the details, a slight smile tugging at the corners of his lips. “This was a good choice, Jessica. Moretti’s work never fails to impress.”
Watching their reactions, Lena stepped forward, her expression neutral but her eyes betraying a hint of curiosity. “It’s definitely not what I expected for a training center,” she said, her voice firm. “But I can see why you chose it.”
Ethan glanced at her, noting the way she analyzed the space with a professional eye. “I wanted something that would make an impression,” he explained. “This isn’t just about training—it’s about giving the Ascendants a sense of purpose and belonging. Moretti’s design does that.”
Lena nodded thoughtfully, her gaze shifting to the training equipment. “Well, you’ve certainly succeeded in that. This place feels… different. It doesn’t have a typical training facility’s usual cold, sterile atmosphere.”
Ethan smiled, clearly pleased with Lena’s reaction. “Exactly. We wanted something modern but welcoming—a functional and inspiring space.”
He moved further inside, inspecting the equipment and the layout. “Let’s ensure everything is perfect before they arrive,” he said. “I want them to see the potential from the moment they step in.”
Lena simply nodded, her professional demeanor never wavering as she followed Ethan and Jessica deeper into the warehouse, ready to finalize the preparations before the Ascendants arrived.
As they moved deeper into the warehouse, inspecting the various areas, Jessica’s phone buzzed with a notification. She glanced down at the screen, and a smile spread across her face. “The delivery’s here,” she said, turning to Ethan and Lena. “Looks like everything’s right on schedule.”
Ethan nodded, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. “Perfect timing,” he said. “Let’s get everything set up.”
They stepped outside just as several large trucks pulled up to the front of the warehouse. The delivery team moved swiftly and precisely, offloading the heavy crates filled with state-of-the-art training equipment.
They worked seamlessly, navigating the equipment through the wide automated doors and into the designated areas with practiced efficiency.
Inside, the empty stands in the training hall were quickly populated with advanced machines—treadmills, weight stations, martial arts dummies, and multi-functional exercise platforms.
Holographic projectors were carefully installed in the corners, their sleek design blending perfectly with the warehouse’s futuristic aesthetic.
The sound of drills and electronic beeps filled the air as the touchscreen panels came to life, their glowing displays illuminating the hall. It was a whirlwind of activity, but everything seemed to fall into place with precision. The staff was experienced, and their work spoke of professionalism and expertise.
Ethan observed the progress closely, giving brief instructions when needed. At the same time, Jessica coordinated with the staff to ensure everything was installed correctly.
Lena remained silent, standing off to the side with her arms crossed. She watched the equipment being set up with an appraising gaze. Her eyes lingered on the training machines, clearly impressed by their quality and advanced features.
“Not bad,” Lena said, her tone cool yet approving as she approached Ethan. “These machines are already on par with what we use in Volkov facilities. I didn’t expect this level of quality.”
Ethan smiled at her comment. “I’m not one to cut corners when it comes to training,” he replied. “Mr. Halen managed to provide exactly what I needed.”
Lena gave a small nod, acknowledging Ethan’s attention to detail. It was clear she hadn’t anticipated the level of investment he was making, and it impressed her more than she let on.
Jessica, standing beside them, grinned mischievously. “You know, with resources like this, Ethan might as well be the Thirteenth Great Family of Novan City,” she teased, her tone light and playful.
Lena raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at her lips as she glanced at Ethan. “The Thirteenth Great Family, huh?” she said, her voice hinting amusement. “That’s a bold statement.”
But he felt a familiar sensation before Ethan could respond—a slight tingle at the back of his mind, accompanied by a notification chime. He blinked as a new system message materialized in front of his eyes, and a surge of surprise washed over him.
Your gift, vote, and Golden Tickets motivate my creation. Thank you for being awesome!
