GOD OF ALL SYSTEMS
Chapter 26 - 26: The Thousand Flower Invitation

It was currently 8 a.m. on the same morning. Somewhere in a middle-class neighborhood, within a five-story apartment complex, on the fourth floor, Dylan Ludwick exercised, doing multiple hand-stand push-ups. "98... 99... 100," he voiced as his body went up and down, sweat dripping from his body.

On the last count, Ludwick stood up, his chest heaving up and down as he stood facing the window to his apartment. Looking through the window, Ludwick could see the neighborhood kids playing around—some playing football, others tag, and some basketball.

Ludwick's body was very fit; his back muscles were neatly outlined, his triceps and biceps were decently stacked, and his abs were cleanly detailed. His entire body resembled that of an athlete who has been training their body for decades.

Inside Ludwick's apartment, one could only see a bed, a table setup, a wardrobe, and a rack of workout weights; on the desk was a black computer. Ludwick walked towards the computer when he seemed to be receiving a call. Standing next to the table, Ludwick double-tapped the table as a holographic screen popped up. Seeing the name "Ellan," Ludwick selected the green answer button.

"Good morning, boss; your chauffeur is reporting for duty." The voice over the phone spoke enthusiastically.

But listening to the voice only made Ludwick sigh with helplessness as he spoke, "Good morning to you too, Ellan." "Can you stop with the boss thing? Coming from you, it is extremely cringe-worthy." Ludwick spoke as he walked towards the bathroom.

"What do you mean, cringe?" I am making you cringe now, huh? "You red-haired cunt." The voice over the phone sounded But Ludwick only grinned as he replied. "Who the fuck are you calling a cunt? You dare call your boss a cunt? Do you want to get fired, huh? "You good-for-nothing chauffeur!"

"Good-for-nothing? At least I am not the "billionaire" living in a middle-class neighborhood. What do you have to say to that?"

"Shut up, Ellan, aren't you a millionaire yourself? Why are you not in a mansion in some wealthy neighborhood? Instead, your apartment is two blocks from mine, you hypocrite?" Ludwick spoke with a filled mouth; he was brushing his teeth.

"You little rascal, who are you calling a hypocrite?"

....

Outside Ludwick's apartment, his black sedan-like and technologically advanced vehicle parked with the Scottish man, his best friend and chauffeur, Ellan, sitting in the driver seat. Ellan wore a winter T-shirt and sunglasses. He was listening to music as he moved his head back and forth.

Not long after, Ludwick emerged from the building wearing a sea blue three-piece suit. The instant the kids saw Ludwick, they shouted in unison, "Mr. Ludwick!" as they hurriedly rushed towards him. The fastest kid quickly covered the distance as she happily hugged Ludwick's left leg, followed by another who hugged his right leg.

Ludwick smiled at the kids as he spoke, "Hey! "You little devils, how are you doing?" "Fine!!" The kids replied as they looked at Ludwick with expectation. Knowledgeable of their wants, Ludwick smiled as he spoke. "Alright guys, the ice cream truck is coming again today." "Yay!" The kids shouted happily as they jumped up and down in excitement.

"But you must promise me to be good kids and not make trouble for Mr. Larry or litter the streets? Ok?!" "Ok, Mr. Ludwick!" The kids replied in unison.

"Ok then, I have to go; see you guys tomorrow," Ludwick spoke as he walked past the little devils surrounding him. "Bye, Mr. Ludwick!" The kids shouted as Ludwick's figure disappeared into the vehicle.

....

Ludwick's car drove on the highway as it paced with the traffic.

"Ludwick, did you see the news?" I mean about the Shadow Knights Guild?" Ellan spoke as he looked at Ludwick through the rear-view mirror.

"The Shadow Knights Guild, huh? Yeah, I saw the news." Ludwick spoke, his attention focused on the magnificent beauty of nature outside. But seeing his best friend's ignorant attitude, Ellan frowned and removed his glasses as he asked suspiciously. "Wait, you seem ignorant about such threatening news. Don't you find it strange that an A-rank guild disappeared in one night?

I mean no other guild or building was destroyed or wiped except for them.

Such a thing can only be caused by an extremely powerful organization or group, and with how they were even wiped from the internet, the people involved must have extremely advanced technologies—I mean technologies as powerful as Ki-"

"Shut up, Ellan." Ludwick interrupted with a serious face. Seeing his friend's seriousness, Ellan immediately dropped the topic as he focused on driving, wearing his glasses in-between."

While on the ride, a call appeared on the headrest screen before Ludwick. Seeing the "Unknown" caller ID on the call, Alpha spoke. <+ Tracing call... it is from the journalist, Natasha Page. Ludwick nodded as he swiped right on the screen.

"Hello, Ms. Page."

"Hello, how did you know it was me?" The womanly voice sounded over the phone, confused, and surprised at the same time.

"Well, considering how I have the most encrypted network on the planet, I doubt I will ever receive scam calls; and besides, I gave you my number, Ms. Page," Ludwick replied.

"Yeah, I'm sorry, I have been on the edge lately. The woman, Natasha Page, spoke, her tone filled with hesitation and anxiety. "Seeing as you are calling this morning, I assume you want to meet for lunch?" Ludwick spoke, his words direct.

"Ah, yes. "Would it be possible to meet today?" Natasha Page spoke, her voice becoming more hesitant and unsure as she spoke. And as if picked off on something, Ludwick made a suspicious frown, but realizing something, he continued. "Ms. Page, since you are the journalist, how about you decide the location of our meeting?"

"Really? " Ah, ok, that's fine with me. "How about the restaurant on Prince Street? Are you ok with that?" The woman's voice became more hesitant and anxious as she spoke over the phone, but despite the woman's suspicious tone and uncertainty, Ludwick replied. "You mean at the Wild Chef's Restaurant? "That's fine with me; see you there at 11:45; I won't be late."

"Ah, yes, ok then, see you there; no, I mean 11:45." The woman spoke as the call dropped.

Ludwick maintained a serious attitude as he watched the screen with an expressionless face, his facial expression filled with suspicion and anticipation.

"Alpha, what's my schedule for today?"

<+ There is the meeting with the news reporters; they are currently awaiting you at the branch office; you have a meeting with the representative from the U.N. at 10:30 a.m. You also had a meeting with the Secretary of Defense from England, the United States, China, Russia, India, Nigeria, and twelve more at 1:00 p.m. and you promised the princess of Norway a private dinner at 6:00 p.m. +>

"Hmm, how is the creation of the King XZ droids coming along?"

<+ Since ordered, 145 have been created, the requested number of 213 will be completely created in the next 12 hours. +>

"Good. "Let's first announce the opening of King Tech's medical department. The world is about to go in complete chaos."

_______

Thirty minutes later

Mount Everest, Patrick's Residence

Patrick stood close to the crystal glass window as he spectated the surroundings. He held a white mug in his right hand as she sipped from it from time to time, his left hand in his pocket. Patrick was shirtless and barefoot, only wearing white short pants that stopped at his upper knee, his curly silver hair knotted in a messy ponytail.

"Grace, bring up the investigation report stored in my satellite," Patrick spoke as he turned and began walking away from the crystal glass wall.

"Copy." Grace sounded when a realistic hologram was displayed before Patrick. Patrick scrolled through numerous files, stopping on one titled "Mana." He selected the file and dragged it away from the hologram as another hologram formed on his left side. Upon Patrick opening the Mana file, a series of research pages and videos appeared below the file.

"Dylan Ludwick's research team is not bad, Master; it's quite disappointing that King Tech has had a better breakthrough in investigating Mana and the mysteries of Awakened than the W.A.O."

"Yes, I agree. Such detailed reports leave all other research teams in the dust, but then again, they have unlimited resources and the most advanced technologies at their disposal; it would have been a disappointment if they had not been this close."

Patrick spoke as he let go of the mug, which floated where Patrick left it. He then walked through the hologram as he stopped next to a pool. ("Yes, a pool. This fucker has a football field-sized pool in his bedroom"). But standing next to the pool, Patrick paused as he spoke.

"Grace, did you hear that? Someone just called me a "fucker." ("OH Shit, I'm fucked.")

"Yes Master, I heard. Should I erase THAT PERSON?"

"Nah, I'm too bored to indulge in their pathetic notions." (The fuck?! Me, Pathetic?)

"Yes, you, Pathetic. And stop talking; you are ruining my fun." Patrick spoke as he looked up as if looking at something (as if looking at me, at us). He carried a nonchalant and lazy gaze with a mocking and provoking grin as he scoffed. He then turned his head as he dove into the clear water, which was three thousand feet deep.

While continually diving down the pool, Alpha appeared next to Patrick. <<<<<< Sire, Mr. Ludwick is about to make the announcement. >>>>>> Patrick nodded as he replied, his mouth not even producing a single bubble. "Show me."

The energy-ball-looking Alpha produced a realistic image of the scene of Ludwick announcing the launch: "Good morning, everyone. I am Dylan Ludwick, the current Chief Executive of King Technologies. Three years ago, King Technologies was created, and since its creation, it has brought about the foundation and assurance of hope for humanity.

With our technologies, the Awakened, and normal citizens have been able to navigate through life with ease. Families do not have to worry about not being awakened and leaving their families unprotected because King Tech provides them with assurance of safety with our "self-defense homes." There are many others I can get into, but I did not come here to brag.

For three years, the world has been peaceful and calm because of the guaranteed safety provided by King Technologies, but as the main defense against extinction, we, King Tech, do not think we are doing enough.

So, for that matter, I, Dylan Ludwick, proudly stand before you, citizens of Metro City, and planet Earth, to announce, on behalf of my patriotic and selfless employers, the foundation of a medical department, which will be launched in thirteen days.

A new age has come, and we all must be prepared to enter that new age with open arms, grasping the opportunity that is for the taking. And I promise you, citizens of planet Earth, if you stand behind us, King Tech, we will shield you from all dangers and lead you into the golden age of prosperity. Forever.

Thank you."

A round of applause echoed over the scene as Ludwick nodded "Thank you" before he walked into a massive building. The crowd of reporters constantly called upon him as his figure disappeared from the scene.

Patrick had dived down to the bottom of the pool as he was not standing on the surface of the three thousand feet-deep pool.

"Master, this announcement is a declaration of war to every company involved in the medical business, since they will be losing their only stronghold." Grace voiced to Patrick.

"I could care less. I own all the major companies in the world. And since I rule over them, I rule the world. They don't know that yet, but they will soon."

_______

"It has been exactly ten minutes since the C.E.O. of King Technologies, Dylan Ludwick, announced the foundation of King Tech's medical department. "I understand King Tech already rules the world with their technologies, but aren't they being too greedy by getting involved in the medical department too?"

....

"Well, this is certainly a shocker for me too, but I would like to ask King Tech, why now? I mean, if they have been dominating the tech department for three years and have never once introduced a medical product, why now? "And what product will they even have that can come close to the magical products produced by Gates?"

....

"This announcement by King Tech can be seen as nothing but a declaration of war against other global medical industries. "Is King Tech even capable of producing a healing potion that can completely heal a broken limb?" "I know their inventions can do it, but can their medical products come close to the healing powers of Awakened?"

....

"Mr. Joshua, you are the medical head of Savil Industries, which has dominated the medical world for almost twenty years. How do you feel about this announcement from King Tech?"

"Well, first, I want to say they will fail. "King Tech only knows about technology; they don't know anything when it comes to health and medical problems…"

....

"I do not understand why everyone is reacting negatively. "I don't see this as a bad thing; think about it: if King Tech has technologies that rival the artifacts from Gates, just imagine what they would create—a health potion that can fully heal a broken limb or even one that can fully regenerate severed limbs."

"Haha, I don't know if maybe because you have feelings for Dylan Ludwick, Jessica, but you are sounding a little too delusional, don't you think?"

_______

The news of King Tech spread like wildfire, completely overshadowing the news of the mysterious disappearance of the Shadow Knights Guild. Multiple news stations challenged the idea of King Tech involving in the medical industry, while others welcomed it and saw it as an opportunity.

But another thing that was happening right now was:

In a seventy-story building, a man on the phone; "Hey old friend, is it possible to get an invitation to King Tech launching."

- "I don't know, grandfather was the one that got the invite. But let me see what I can do." -

"Thanks, hope you help me out."

....

"Are you fucking kidding me? I am the guild master of an A-rank guild for fuck's sake, what do you mean I didn't get an invite?! Use all our connections, I want an invite to that launch before the weekend, got that?" The fat guild master slammed the phone on the table, breaking the sturdy table in two.

_____

But while most raged about not having an invite or connections to attend the launching, some had the opposite reaction.

W.A.O.

Inside the chairman's office, Thomas Spike held a baffled expression as he stared at his face using a mirror. "Huh? When did my scar heal?" He questioned doubtfully.

Suddenly, his office door opened, and Maria Spike, the woman who was a teacher at Patrick's orphanage for a day, walked in holding an envelope in her hand. "Chairman, a letter of invitation just arrived from King Tech, it seems it arrived this morning before he made the announcement."

Thomas Spike held the invitation as he assumed a thoughtful face, "Just what is King Tech thinking getting involved in the medical industry like this? "Well, we will know when we get there."

"Wait, chairman, you are going?" Maria asked, a look of surprise plastered on her face.

"Why not, this might be an opportunity to see the hidden capabilities of King Tech, and besides, I heard they serve the most expensive wines as a welcoming toast, I wouldn't be missing that."

....

Dasia Royal Palace

A fair-skinned man wearing luxurious attire sat on a throne as he listened to an elderly man reporting to him. The man wore a crown with held an expressionless carefree attitude.

"Your Royal Highness, an invitation from King Tech arrived this morning. What is your decision?"

"Accept, that Dylan Ludwick must be up to something again. Make sure no one knows of my invite."

"Yes, Your Highness."

....

United States, Washington DC

Inside the White House, in the presidential office, known as the Oval Office, a man standing seven feet tall and muscular in build stood facing a window, admiring the morning sun's brilliance when his office door opened. A young man wearing an all-black suit walked in as he respectfully spoke.

"Mr. President, it seems you were also invited, the invitation came before he made the announcement."

"Hmm… Dylan Ludwick, was it? It is time we meet."

The muscular man spoke, his voice heavy and carrying a thundering base. Upon finishing his sentence, a maniacal grin appeared on his face.

_______

Metro City

As intended, all the higher powers in the world received an invitation; some were suspicious and others were thrilled, but one thing that was for certain was that today's announcement would lead to something big happening, whether that be something positive or negative; only fate and Grace would know.

South of Metro City, in the Watson family residence; Julius Watson sat in his working office as he scrutinizingly stared at an invitation letter he held. A look of doubt, suspicion, and even surprise mixed with his emotions.

Standing not far before Julius was his son, Joseph Watson, father to Athena and the current manager of the family business. Joseph was a man closing his forties, he was as tall as his father and carried a manly vigor. He stood, hands in his pockets as he stared at his father. He then spoke.

"Father, if you are wondering, the other families also received similar invitations. But as to if they received five invitations like us, that I cannot tell."

"But we have never made any contact with King Tech, whether business-wise or personally, so why would they invite us?"

"…, Do you want me to look into it to see if it's authentic?"

"No. We will go, King Tech is about to introduce something big, it's only best if our family is a part of it. Besides, what is there to lose?"

"Very well then, I will inform Athena, she might reject going since she hates such occasions, but I hope she understands," Joseph spoke as he exited his father's office.

....

In a courtyard close to the main building, under a large summer tree, Athena lay on her back as basked in the morning sun. She wore a white summer dress with the strings wrapped around her neck, and a white sunglass lazily resting on her face.

While lying down, Athena casually stretched her fingers as the surrounding plants grew and wrapped around her arms and fingers, some plants even wrapped around her wrist, forming a bracelet with the sunflower on top.

Suddenly, a noisy background caused Athena to raise her head in curiosity, but she only saw a maid hastily rushing towards her in excitement.

"Lady Athena, Lady Athena...!"

"Yes, Lois, what happened?" Athena inquired, her voice calm and soothing, causing the surrounding plants to bend in comfort. But the housekeeper, Lois, only acted more enthusiastic as she spoke.

"Lady Athena, you have a gift?" The girl spoke with vibrant eyes and a loud tone.

"A gift? What gift?" As Athena asked, she suddenly saw a group of five hundred people, men, and women, entering the compound with bouquets in each hand. Athena held a surprised but doubtful expression as she steadily rose to her feet.

The entering group caused the guards in the compound to become alert, they hurriedly rushed as they stood in protective stances in Athena's defense. But Athena replied, "No, it's fine, you can stand down," as she walked past the guards and approached the group of people, who numbered in hundreds.

"Hello, you said you are here for me?" Athena asked as she approached the woman leading the group. Using her sensing ability, Athena could tell there were exactly five hundred people here, and since each held two bouquets, then there were one thousand flowers here.

The woman leading the group of five hundred did not speak, she only stepped forward as she handed over one bouquet to Athena.

Receiving the flowers, Athena said "Thank you" as she saw a card attached to the stem, she held the flower as she read the written words.

"Days have gone, countless moons have shone.

Time has passed, and hearts have morn.

With flowers, I invite, with hopes to ignite.

A love like flame, and I to reclaim.

The woman whom I will never lose again."

"Do you accept or deny? For my heart has yours to rely."

Athena read as she steadily raised her head in realization; she didn't even finish reading the card when she subconsciously uttered it. "Yes, I accept." "Where is he?" "Is he with you?" Athena questioned in anticipation as she spectated the scene for a particular someone; she even used her sensing ability, but disappointingly, she could not find her desired target.

But just when Athena was about to lament her disappointment, the young lady handed Athena the other bouquets of flowers. Athena received it as soon as she read the card attached to it. On the card, it read:

"I'm outside."

Reading the card, Athena, without the slightest hesitation, flashed from her location, her speed causing the flower petals to fly everywhere as she rushed towards the compound gates.

Within three seconds, Athena's figure covered five miles. As she arrived at the gates, some of the house guards rushed after her, their speed significantly slower than hers.

When she finally arrived at the gates, Athena stopped as she calmed her racing heart, which was loud enough to hear if someone was standing next to her. She then steadily stretched her hand as she gripped the handle. Slowly but carefully, Athena pulled open the gates. Upon finally opening the gates, Athena's face lit up like a blooming flower as she called the person standing outside the gates.

The person's reflection can be seen in Athena's crystal-like eyes as she enthusiastically bellowed his name, but it was only by name that she was allowed to call this person.

"Trick!"