NOVPUBPacing the room to calm himself, a question suddenly struck Martin: 𝖓𝔬𝔳𝔭𝖚𝖇.𝔠𝔬𝖒
"System, are there any rules about where I can place the organization’s headquarters? For instance, does the area need to be legally mine?" Martin inquired.
The system quickly responded, "As long as the size is appropriate, there are no additional constraints."
Martin nodded in understanding.
Indeed, if the area had to be legally his, finding a plot measuring 600 meters on each side would likely require him to venture to remote areas and acquire it through leasing.
Moreover, if he had to purchase a corresponding plot of land for every relic he placed, it would undoubtedly relate back to him in some way.
Fortunately, the system’s rules seemed reasonable.
However, even without such stipulations, it would be preferable for the area where the organizational wonder is placed to belong to either him or another member of the Divine Shield organization.
After all, that would avoid many potential complications.
With this line of thought, Martin began to conceptualize where he might establish the organization’s headquarters.
Starting tomorrow, he planned to explore various parts of Riverland and research locations of interest to finalize a suitable spot.
...
The next morning came early.
Below his residence, the local market was already bustling with activity.
Given its long-standing history, many vendors had grown accustomed to setting up their stalls here.
Martin awoke amidst the clamor, pushing open his bedroom door and heading to the bathroom.
The washbasin was cluttered with a myriad of bottles and containers he didn’t recognize, all belonging to his roommate, Vivian.
After a quick wash, he stepped out just as Vivian emerged from her room.
With her classically delicate, oval face, her hair was neatly pinned back.
She wore a white blouse paired with a black pencil skirt.
Her long, slender legs were encased in sheer black stockings, and she donned soft fabric slippers on her feet.
She looked stunning!
The epitome of a fashionable urban professional woman.
"Good morning, Martin," Vivian greeted with a smile, though her expression held a subtle distance.
Martin nodded in acknowledgment, "Morning."
Normally, their brief exchanges would end there, a rare daily interaction between them.
However, this time Vivian seemed to notice something, her gaze examining him more intently.
"You look much better today," she remarked, a hint of surprise in her tone.
In the past, Martin’s face had always been tainted with a sickly pallor, but today it glowed with a healthy radiance, indistinguishable from any normal person.
"I visited the hospital and got some medication," Martin lied on the spur of the moment, fully aware that the transformation was a result of his newly acquired extraordinary abilities.
Vivian, not particularly invested in his well-being but rather momentarily taken aback, didn’t dwell on the subject, "Still, take care of yourself. I need to head out now."
"Goodbye," Martin replied.
Approaching the shoe cabinet by the door, Vivian retrieved her heels.
She bent slightly to slip them on, one hand steadying herself against the cabinet.
The graceful curve of her figure was momentarily revealed in its entirety.
Yet Martin scarcely cast a glance, heading straight into his bedroom.
After all, firstly, he’d never harbored any ulterior intentions towards Vivian.
And secondly, his past concerns revolved around earning money for medical treatment, whereas now his focus lay in establishing his organization and strengthening his capabilities.
Hearing the door click shut, Vivian briefly raised her head, then lowered it once more.
Having shared the space for nearly a year, the two had gotten a good sense of each other’s character.
Initially, upon learning that she’d be co-renting with a male, Vivian almost instantly declined.
The arrangement seemed far from ideal, carrying its inherent inconveniences and potential risks.
But in the congested city of Riverland, finding another affordable apartment that also met her criteria for location and size was an arduous task.
Reluctantly, she decided to give it a trial run.
Over time, she realized that Martin was a reserved, introverted man without any malicious intentions.
And thus, their shared living arrangement persisted to the present day.
She had once tried to strike up conversations with him, and objectively speaking, Martin’s credentials weren’t too shabby. He had an average build, a refined appearance, and a monthly income around ten thousand, free of any detrimental habits.
But...
Having slipped into her heels, Vivian’s polished, immaculate chin lifted slightly.
But, she, Vivian, had better options.
She was grounded in her work and maintained impeccable personal habits.
She wouldn’t deny her materialistic tendencies. In her plans, if she could elevate her status through her own efforts, that would be ideal.
However, if not, she wasn’t opposed to marrying wealth to change her life. She was confident that, given her assets, this wasn’t a far-fetched idea.
Therefore, Martin had never been a consideration for her.
Glancing at the time, Vivian stepped out the door.
...
After a while, Martin readied himself and prepared to head out in search of a suitable location.
Suddenly, a local news alert popped up on his phone.
He opened it to read:
"Reports indicate that the incessant rain over the past month has resulted in floods in various parts of our city, with over 30 reservoir emergencies and 12 instances of landslides. Residents are urged to exercise caution."
Martin sighed deeply.
While he indeed possessed the power to momentarily alter the weather in a small area, he couldn’t stand against natural calamities. The devastation brought by the torrential downpour was beyond his control.
He descended the stairs.
The rain had momentarily ceased, leaving a misty aura hanging between earth and sky.
The neighboring market was enclosed by tall, uniform walls, plastered with tattered and torn advertisements.
Peering through the open gate, he could see vendors shouting their wares and customers inquiring about prices, all bustling under the rare clear sky, creating a lively scene.
The cacophony was so immense that it even made the windows of the old apartment complex quiver.
Pedaling his bicycle, Martin embarked on his quest.
