A Path To Omniscience

August 21st, 2033

Outside the grand entrance of Frostvale Manor, Asher adjusted his cuffs with care. Tonight, he had traded his usual suits and vests for something more formal: a sharp tuxedo. It adhered to his favored white-and-black color scheme, complete with a double-breasted waistcoat, crisp dress shirt, and tailored trousers. On the lapel of his jacket gleamed a pin in the shape of the Frostvale crest.

Beyond the subtle black accents of his tuxedo, the only other dark detail was his bowtie, neatly fastened beneath his collar. Asher finished with his cuffs just as the sound of the door opening drew his attention.

"I'm still surprised you wanted to attend this with us, Asher," came his father's voice. Vance, who had dressed as sharply as his son, stepped forward.

"Your mother mentioned you wanted to meet someone. Are you planning to tell me who?" Unlike Asher's deliberately rougher hairstyle, Vance's silver-streaked hair was combed back smoothly, emphasizing the sharp lines of his face. His powerful frame was hard to disguise, even beneath the finely tailored tuxedo that mirrored Asher's—but with inverted colors.

Where Asher's attire was primarily white with black accents, Vance's was predominantly black with white highlights. Together, the father-son duo resembled the black-and-white crow emblem of the Frostvale family, a design choice neither doubted was Nillia's intention.

"Trade secret, I'm afraid," Asher replied with a faint smirk, earning a hearty chuckle from his father.

"Fine, keep your secrets," Vance said lightly, not pushing further.

To his surprise though, Asher added, "If everything tonight goes according to plan, I won't have to keep it a secret much longer."

That cryptic remark piqued Vance's curiosity, though he didn't have time to press further before the sound of approaching heels drew both men's attention.

Nillia appeared, her presence commanding. She wore a floor-length black gown with a high slit that revealed long, graceful legs with each step. The fabric shimmered faintly, adorned with a subtle shimmer like stars against the night sky, while sheer draping at the neckline added an ethereal touch.

Her arms, left bare save for shoulder-length gloves, accentuated the contrast between the gown and her skin.

"Well?" Nillia asked with a warm smile, turning slightly to show off the gown.

"How do I look?"

"Stunning as always, Mother," Asher answered without hesitation.

"It gets harder and harder to imagine what it would be like if Father and I had to coordinate our outfits without you." Nillia's laugh was light as she raised a gloved hand to her lips.

"Oh, I can imagine. I see it every time I come home and you two are left to wear whatever you want." Asher chuckled, his amusement mirrored by the subtle gleam in Nillia's eyes as she shifted her attention to Vance. She sauntered toward him, her movements a bit playful.

"And what about you, dear? You've been awfully quiet. Don't I get your thoughts?" Vance took her hand with a practiced grace, lifting it to his lips.

His gaze didn't waver from hers as he murmured, "I was just admiring you, my love."

He pressed a soft kiss to her gloved hand, his eyes briefly flicking to the golden bracelets adorning her wrist and the matching choker around her neck.

"If I'm not mistaken," he added, his voice thoughtful, "I gave you these, didn't I?"

"You did," Nillia confirmed, her tone brightening with the memory.

"For our thirteenth wedding anniversary." 

"Well, as much as I'm glad to see you two are as close as ever, we do have an event to get to," Asher remarked, his voice cutting through the moment. Both his parents turned to him with amused expressions, and his mother was the first to respond.

"Oh, you'll understand one day—when you fall in love and get married," she teased.

"Besides, it's fine if we're a little late. These kinds of events always take a while to really get going." The three of them began descending the wide staircase, making their way toward the hovering limousine waiting below. Standing by the open door was Lionel in his usual friendly demeanor as he waited for them.

As they made their way down, Asher replied dryly, "I'm afraid marriage isn't in my plans anytime soon. So I suppose that's one thing I won't be experiencing for a while."

"Oh, you're so sure about that?" Vance quipped with a knowing smile, exchanging a glance with Nillia.

"Your mother mentioned something interesting about that Schnee girl you've been seeing." At his father's words, Asher let out a quiet sigh, his shoulders dropping slightly.

"As I told Mother, I only said I've considered the possibility of a relationship. I never confirmed anything. And frankly, I'm not even sure it'll be necessary." By the time he finished speaking, they'd reached the base of the staircase. Lionel stepped forward to hold the limousine door open for Nillia and Vance, who entered first.

As she settled into her seat, Nillia glanced back at her son, her brow furrowing slightly.

"What do you mean by 'necessary'? That's a strange way to talk about a relationship."

"Never mind," Asher muttered, shaking his head dismissively. As Vance entered the limousine, Asher turned to Lionel, shifting the conversation.

"How's the progress on the project I contracted you for?" Lionel straightened slightly, his tone professional.

"I've already hired the necessary personnel. Based on the latest updates, they're reviewing the renovation plans you provided. They were… impressively detailed. Apparently, it's saved them a significant amount of time." Asher nodded to himself, unsurprised. Of course, it had. That's why he'd gone the extra mile.

He'd had Liv contact Russet to send him nearly all the documents on the warehouse and conducted his own inspection. The Nexus Space's capabilities weren't just limited to assimilating technology, stories, and people—something Weiss's presence had taught him. It extended to more nuanced concepts like fighting styles and even company data, as he'd discovered when hacking into Frostvale Enterprises' systems.

Currently, the Nexus Space's assimilation of Frostvale Enterprises was around forty percent, thanks to his efforts to increase it whenever he had time. If it could handle something like that then why not something as tangible as a building's structure? And sure enough, the Nexus Space had begun assimilating the warehouse details the moment it had the chance.

His personal inspection, combined with the documentation Liv had provided, had increased his understanding of the warehouse's structure by over fifty percent. The Nexus Space's automated simulations had been refining that knowledge ever since. While it hadn't hit one hundred percent yet, the renovation plans he'd drafted were based on its current knowledge—and they were more than enough.

If I had to guess, I probably saved them a couple of months' worth of structural assessments.

And when Lionel went to speak again, he confirmed that fact.

"Based on their latest estimates, they believe retrofitting can begin in about two weeks. Though the facility layout design and planning will-"

"Just have them focus on the retrofitting," Asher interrupted, cutting Lionel off mid-sentence.

"I've already drawn up the factory design, and I'll send it to you by Friday." Lionel blinked, momentarily surprised, but quickly lowered his head in acknowledgment.

"Very well, Young Master." With a quick nod of thanks, Asher climbed into the limousine, settling into the seat next to his father. Lionel closed the door behind him before Nillia pressed the button on her side of the cabin, signaling the driver. The limousine pulled away smoothly, emitting a soft hum as it hovered along the driveway and out onto the main road.

"So, what were you discussing with Lionel?" Vance asked, glancing over at his son.

"I recently purchased a warehouse," Asher replied casually, "and I've had Lionel coordinate with the necessary teams to handle the renovations."

"A warehouse?" Nillia echoed, her curiosity piqued.

"And what exactly do you need a warehouse for?"

"I'm planning to convert it into an automated factory," Asher explained.

"Something I can operate remotely from my workshop at home. Building a hundred or so drones took me over two weeks—not bad for the quantity, but the process was exhausting. I had to construct a lot of the components manually each time I assembled the drones." Vance nodded thoughtfully, resting his hand against his chin.

"Makes sense. That'll streamline things for you."

"Exactly," Asher affirmed as his mother gave a soft hum of approval.

"Well, I'm glad to hear that," Nillia said.

"I'll admit, when you came into all that money, I was a little worried you wouldn't know how to manage it wisely. But it's good to see you reinvesting it back into your production." Vance nodded in agreement, sharing her sentiment.

Money was a peculiar thing—when it was scarce, frugality came naturally, born out of necessity and self-control. But when people suddenly came into wealth, they often fell into the trap of spending recklessly, assuming the abundance would never run out. It wasn't uncommon to see fortunes squandered on fleeting pleasures rather than invested to build lasting success.

Thankfully, it seemed their son hadn't fallen into that trap.

"Speaking of production," Asher said, a subtle edge of humor in his tone, "how's Frostvale Enterprises holding up? I haven't heard any complaints, so I'm guessing the drones I sold you are performing well. Should I start drafting another contract? Maybe something more long-term this time?"

His parents exchanged amused glances before breaking into laughter.

"As much as I'd like to say something to rein in that ego of yours, I'd be lying no matter what I said," Vance admitted with a sigh, though his tone carried a hint of amusement.

"That's right," Nillia chimed in.

"I haven't been as involved in the meetings about them, but from what I've heard, the executives are impressed. Everyone seems to be leaning toward integrating the drones into all our security protocols moving forward." Asher's lips curled into a slight smile, a flicker of satisfaction crossing his face.

He already knew this, of course. Having long since hacked into Frostvale Enterprises' database, he had transcripts of every meeting. But it helped sell the illusion when he asked anyway and seemed happy about it.

If I can secure a permanent contract with Frostvale Enterprises, that'll ensure a steady income stream. Money's going to be a tight chokepoint in the future, no matter how much it seems like I have now.

His internal calculations surfaced again. Between his deal and the funds in his bank account, he originally had about Ⱡ73,028,660. It seemed like an unfathomable amount for any one person, but the reality was different. The warehouse alone had cost Ⱡ39,600,000. Renovations and equipment added another Ⱡ24,000,000, pushing the total to Ⱡ63,600,000.

Just like that, nearly everything he'd earned from the contract with his parents was gone.

One-off payments wouldn't cut it moving forward. He needed ongoing revenue streams—monthly or yearly contracts. Frostvale Enterprises could be one reliable source, but his true goal lay at tonight's charity event.

"Oh, it looks like we're here," Nillia said, pulling Asher from his thoughts. He glanced out the window, refocusing on the cityscape beyond. They were no longer in the pristine, upper rings of Atlas, where Frostvale Manor and the homes of high society dominated the skyline. Now, they were in the bustling city below.

Atlas was a marvel of modern architecture. Towering skyscrapers and sleek, gleaming buildings stretched in every direction, their white stone, marble facades, and glass panels reflecting the clear blue sky above. The streets below were immaculate—polished tile pavement and chevron brick sidewalks without a crack in sight.

It was a stark contrast to Mantle, the undercity that existed just a flight below Atlas. The disparity between the two was impossible to ignore.

Ahead, their destination came into view: a sprawling, dome-shaped building of glass and steel, lit by decorative lights that accentuated its sweeping curves. A plush red carpet stretched from the street to the entrance, bordered by velvet ropes holding back a throng of paparazzi and photographers. Security personnel in black shirts lined the perimeter, reinforcing the barrier.

"Looks like we're just in time," Vance remarked, giving his tuxedo one last adjustment.

"Asher, you remember, right?" Nillia's tone was warm but carried enough firmness to act as a reminder.

"I know—always a smile," Asher replied without looking at her. Satisfied, Nillia gave a slight nod as their limousine came to a smooth stop at the carpet's edge. The previous car pulled away just as the photographers snapped their last shots of the previous guests, their attention now turning toward the new arrivals.

One of the photographers fiddling with the settings on his camera glanced at his partner.

"Who's up next?"

She squinted at the list in her hands, trying to concentrate amidst the cacophony of voices.

"Looks like the Frostvales," she answered.

The photographer raised an eyebrow.

"The Frostvales? Shame they rarely bring their son to these events. Would've been nice to get a shot of him after that whole kidnapping ordeal. Don't think anyone's seen him since." He adjusted his camera, readying for the next arrival when the limousine doors opened. His eyes widened, and a grin spread across his face.

"Or not!" He shouted, lifting his camera. The shout triggered a wave of activity, and flashes erupted from every direction, flooding the red carpet with light.

Asher was the first to step out, pausing to let his parents follow. He turned to the cameras, a polished smile on his face—practiced to perfection with his mother's guidance. It wasn't forced or strained, just a subtle curve of his lips and a hint of teeth.

Vance exited next, not acknowledging the cameras immediately. Instead, he turned to offer his arm to Nillia, who gracefully stepped out last. The couple linked arms and mirrored their son's demeanor, each movement deliberate and their expressions warm. The barrage of flashes intensified, and Asher caught a glimpse of various news station crews turning their cameras toward them.

The trio began a measured walk down the carpet as their limousine pulled away. Requests rang out from all sides:

"Nillia, to your left, please!"

"Full-body shot with your wife, Mr. Frostvale!"

"Asher, look this way!"

"Can we get a pose with all three of you?"

Despite the clamor, they maintained their slow, steady pace, occasionally stopping for a few moments to give the photographers different angles before continuing. At last, they reached the entrance, where uniformed security opened the doors for them. As the heavy doors closed behind them, the barrage of flashes and shouted requests faded, replaced by a serene hush.

"I almost forgot how exhausting that is," Asher muttered, rolling his shoulders. His parents nodded in agreement.

"They were a lot more active than usual," Nillia remarked, glancing at him with a knowing smile.

"I suppose they didn't expect to see you." The trio followed the guides who directed them through the opulent halls. Soon, they arrived at a pair of massive wooden double doors. As they approached, the doors opened automatically, revealing the grand ballroom beyond.

The sound of classical music drifted through the air, performed live by an ensemble on a small raised stage at the far end of the room.

The ballroom itself was breathtaking. Ornate columns lined the walls, adorned with golden accents that shimmered under the light. Rich red drapery stretched across the ceiling in elegant arcs, framing a massive chandelier at its center. The chandelier's countless crystals cast a warm glow that danced across the polished floor, complemented by candles mounted on the walls to enhance the ambiance.

It was clear no expense had been spared in making this venue as grand as possible.

Asher's attention shifted to the crowd. The ballroom was filled with Atlas's elite, their conversations a low hum beneath the music. A few turned to see the new arrivals. Some faces lit up upon recognizing Vance and Nillia, while others remained indifferent, returning to their discussions.

Asher's sharp gaze swept the room. Familiar faces stood out here and there, including the Schnees in the upper right corner. Weiss and Whitley were, as expected, shadowing their parents. Jacques was busy talking to a business partner while his wife seemed as detached as ever, her distant expression unchanged from the last time Asher had seen her.

Then his eyes moved again, scanning every corner until they landed on his target. Near the center of the room he saw Winter, Weiss's elder sister, her posture stiff, hands clasped behind her back like a sentry. Her attention was fixed on the man she stood beside—the one person who held more power than anyone else in the Kingdom of Atlas.

Headmaster of Atlas Academy and General of the Atlesian Military.

James Ironwood.

Asher's eyes narrowed ever so slightly. Without a word, he followed his parents into the crowd, the wheels in his mind already turning. Now, it was just a matter of timing.