Chapter Fourteen: Situation

  Viktor paced around the room, trying to brainstorm more ideas for his master plan. Until he noticed a strange noise, with lilac-coloured light casting shadows across the hotel room. Viktor opened the curtains, and saw a sight that horrified him, and sent shocks throughout his body. A purple cloud of gas surrounding the top of a skyscraper, way up high.

  “I have to get up there,” he thought, realising that he might have a lead as to where Viktor was. He left the room and took the elevator down to the ground floor. He stuck his arms in front of his face as he bolted through the double glass doors impetuously. They swung outwards, their long-unmaintenced hinges squeaking as they dragged against the doorframe. He ran over to the modern facade of the building. It seemed to be a lavish community centre. He hurried inside and saw sumptuous marble… everything. Everything was white and pristine, with comfortable armchairs placed symmetrically around the lobby. The receptionist lounged at the front desk, a younger man, looking to be only in his mid-20s. Viktor strode up to the receptionist.

  “How do I get up to the top of this… lovely building you have here?” Viktor questioned obsequiously, hoping that the man had a soft spot for flattery.

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  “You need a Level 5 clearance pass. Also, I do not own this building. My manager, Mr Owens, does. Thank you for the remark, though.” the receptionist replied.

  “A… a Level 5 what?” Viktor asked distraughtly.

  “You need a Level 5 clearance pass in order to be granted permission to go to the upper levels,” said the man.

  “Uh… hold on just a moment,” Viktor said nervously.

  He walked away and sat down on one of the armchairs.

  “What am I going to do?” he thought. But then he realised: “I’m going to trespass! That’s right, I’ll absolutely book it past the receptionist!”

  With that, he sprinted as fast as his pre-teen legs could carry him. With his momentum, he hurdled the first flight of stairs.

  “HEY! Get back here!” yelled the receptionist. From above, Viktor shouted back, “Uh… I’ll think about it. Nah!”

  Yet, it was not the most judicious move, as the receptionist chased after him.

  Viktor sprinted up multiple flights of stairs, yelling.

  “My decisions are no longer in the hands of the law!”