“Leonard! Welcome to Poki!”
The collective greeting of three gentlemen at the waiting area holding up a sign with his name called out as he walked out with his luggage.
Leonard smiled as he saw their wide grins.
Samuel. Allan. Sirus. Good to finally meet them.
They were the guys he had been communicating with from the time he had decided to depart from Hollyland Manor. They fully understood how he felt, and were fully in agreement with him that the time to leave had come. No more letting Daddy run the rule over his life, it was time to get things going for himself.
He walked over to them and hugged each of them enthusiastically. “Guys! Great to finally meet you!” he beamed from ear to ear.
“Same here, man!” the dark haired guy in a red T shirt and jeans, who was Samuel, replied eagerly. “We finally meet in person.”
“Indeed. I’m so pleased that you made this decision to break away and start a new life,” the lad who wore a polka dotted shirt and held up the sign added. He was Allan. “That’s one of the most important things in life, you know: to leave the nest when it’s time. You can’t continue holing yourself up and thinking you’re doing yourself good.”
Leonard smirked and shook his head. “I swear, bro. I feel liberated already! Even the air here smells different.”
They laughed as he inhaled and exhaled for effect. “Well, I hope you enjoyed that, man,” Sirus, the last of the trio, joked. “That right there is the smell of freedom.”
“Oh, I love it. I absolutely love it. And yo, I’m raring to go! I’m ready to see all that Poki has to offer.”
“Awesome!” Samuel gushed. “Let’s get moving, then. We’ve got a lot of places to show you, and by the time you’re done, you’re honestly gonna wonder why you didn’t leave that place soon enough.”
“Oooooh! Can’t wait!”
***
Twenty minutes on the road, and Leonard, who was riding shotgun in Samuel’s glamorous Land Rover Defender, was already excited to the core. He was in doubt that this was the best idea of his life: leaving Hollyland Manor for this vibrant and magnificent city. The little he had seen was incredible.
From sleek, glass-walled buildings that stretched towards the sky, to Michelin-starred restaurants, exclusive boutiques, and opulent spas catering to the refined tastes of its discerning residents, the dazzling cityscape of Poki was breath-taking: a posh and modern metropolis that exuded sophistication and elegance at every turn, and it was such a privilege to be able to witness it all.
He was also enjoying the detailed information the car was providing as they passed by some of the landmark buildings of the city. Whatever software it was Samuel had installed in his car, it was amazing. They had passed by one plaza named Art Square, and Happy Flour Pizzeria, which he had heard about so many times back in Agena. And at each stop, Samuel would stop the car, press a few buttons, and a realistic sounding AI voice would provide information on the place.
To say he was wowed would be a huge understatement.
“Man oh man. I really have been missing out on life,” Leonard remarked as the Defender sped on the highway, shaking his head.
Sirus laughed from the back seat. “Didn’t take you long to figure it out, eh?”
“Not at all. Bruh, look at this place! I’ve been cooped up in some hella boring estate home for so long. Samuel, you were right. We’re not even done, yet I’m already wondering why I ain’t ditch Hollyland Manor soon.”
Samuel laughed. “You haven’t seen anything yet, brother. There’s so much more to see… oh, let’s stop by this place for a moment.”
The car moved off the main highway to a road on the right and moved a few metres before stopping at a grand building with the sign ‘The Elysium’ on top of it.
“This is one of our favourite spots to drop by,” Allan informed him. “It’s the casino to end all casinos.”
Leonard looked back at him, anticipation on his face. “Really?”
“Yep. But let’s hear what Eldee has to say.”
“Sure.” Leonard laughed as Samuel pressed the buttons, and sat back, waiting for the AI voice to provide details of the casino.
Welcome to The Elysium, the crown jewel of the vibrant city of Poki and the epitome of opulence and excitement. This sprawling entertainment complex stands as the largest and most luxurious casino in the city, beckoning visitors into a world of glamour, high stakes, and unforgettable experiences.
As you step into The Elysium, you are greeted by a grand foyer that exudes elegance and sophistication. Marble floors gleam under the soft glow of crystal chandeliers, casting a radiant ambiance upon the bustling activity. The air is tinged with the aroma of possibility and anticipation, as guests from all walks of life come together in search of exhilarating thrills and life-changing fortunes.
At the heart of The Elysium, the gaming tables await those seeking the allure of classic casino games. Roulette wheels spin with anticipation, while blackjack and poker tables hum with the strategic banter of players. Expertly trained dealers guide the action with finesse, lending an air of sophistication to the gaming experience.
For those seeking an elevated level of indulgence, private gaming salons cater to the most discerning guests. These exclusive enclaves offer a secluded ambiance, where high-stakes games unfold in an atmosphere of utmost privacy and luxury. Lavish furnishings, dedicated service, and an aura of exclusivity create an unparalleled gaming experience.
The Elysium is more than a casino; it is a destination that epitomizes the allure of indulgence and the pursuit of excitement. It is a place where dreams are made and fortunes won, where the thrill of the game intertwines with the splendor of luxury. Within its hallowed walls, guests are invited to immerse themselves in a world of elegance and entertainment, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Leonard nodded zealously as the description of The Elysium came to an end. He was sold already.
“Brooooo!” he exclaimed. “I cannot wait to show up in there! I cannot wait!”
“Oh, don’t you worry, we’ll definitely be taking you there soon. Now, to our next stop, which is our absolute favourite place to go. The epitome of nightlife entertainment…”
“CLUB OBSIDIAN!” the three guys collectively cheered.
Leonard simply smiled.
I am so happy I came here…
***
An hour later, and his new friends were dropping him off at the hotel he would be staying in.
Elite Star Hotel. An exquisite five-star hotel nestled in the heart of Poki.
From the moment he stepped into the hotel and gaped at the elegant interior it possessed, he knew his stay was going to be nothing short of incredible. And as he was attended to by the attentive and immaculately dressed hotel staff, he continued to pat himself on the back for not allowing the old man back home to sway him.
This really is living life, you know. It really is, he smiled to himself as he followed the concierge to his room on the twenty-sixth floor. Standing behind the very polite gentleman as he stood in front of a room with the number 2608, he grinned as he admired the plush corridor.
“Here is your room, sir,” the concierge announced as the door opened and he pulled the bags in. Leonard followed him, and gawked at the room.
Luxurious was an understatement.
This was a pure haven of comfort and beauty, replete with a harmonious blend of modern amenities and luxurious touches, including plush bedding, sumptuous linens, and state-of-the-art technology. With the floor-to-ceiling window offering a panoramic view of the city skyline, Leonard was in for a daily bask in the beauty of Poki.
“My goodness, this is glorious!” he exclaimed excitedly.
“I’m glad you love it, sir. Enjoy your stay!” the concierge politely stated, dropping the last of Leonard’s bags and leaving the room.
“Thanks!”
As the concierge closed the door, Leonard threw himself onto the bed.
“Woohoooo!” he cheered, revelling in the softness of the mattress. “This has been better than I thought! Man, I should have done this sooner. It’s time to live life the way it’s supposed to be lived. Let’s goooooooo!!!”
Looks like Leonard is gonna be living life exactly how he planned. Just straight up enjoyment through out…
