Intergalactic conquest with an AI

Darius grinned, clearly pleased that Rex was taking the bait. He made an exaggerated gesture, as if revealing some great treasure.

"This is a casino, my friend! Naturally, the prize is credits. But not just any credits; the champion takes 50% of all the bets placed on their match. Depending on the crowd and the stakes, that can add up to a lot of money."

Rex's interest was piqued, though he wasn't entirely convinced. "And what are the rules?"

Darius clasped his hands together, leaning in slightly. "Simple! You fight in a series of matches against the arena's most dangerous opponents. Each match gets progressively harder, of course, and you must win to advance. Lose, and, well, that's the end of the road."

He chuckled, though the humor in his voice felt forced. "But someone as capable-looking as you shouldn't have a problem. So, what do you say? Interested?"

Ys immediately tightened her grip on Rex's arm, glaring at Darius with open hostility. "No, he's not interested," she snapped. "Find someone else to play your blood sport."

Cleo, however, remained calm, though her piercing golden gaze was locked on Darius. "While the offer is intriguing, I believe my companion would prefer to enjoy his evening without being dragged into your arena."

Darius's smile didn't falter, though his eyes flicked between Cleo and Ys before returning to Rex. "Come now; no need to decide so quickly. Surely you've thought about testing yourself in combat. Why not make a spectacle of it? Imagine the cheers, the thrill, the glory, and, of course, the reward."

Rex scratched the back of his neck, glancing between the arena and the man before him. The idea of entering didn't sit well with him, not because he lacked the skill, but because he had a sinking feeling there was more to this arena than what Darius was letting on.

After a moment of thought, Rex shook his head. "Sorry, not tonight. I came here to relax, not to fight. Maybe next time."

Darius's smile tightened, but he bowed his head politely. "Of course, my friend. Should you change your mind, the arena is always open to those with the courage to step inside." With that, he turned and disappeared into the crowd, leaving Rex, Cleo, and Ys standing near the edge of the arena.

"That guy gave me the creeps," Ys muttered, still glaring in the direction Darius had gone.

Cleo nodded. "Agreed. I suggest we avoid him for the rest of the evening. He's clearly trying to lure you into something."

Rex exhaled deeply, glancing back at the glowing casino floor. "Yeah, let's stick to the plan. No fighting tonight. Just games, drinks, and... hopefully no more weird invitations."

Ys and Cleo exchanged a brief look; one of the few times they seemed to agree and nodded. Together, the trio moved away from the arena and toward the heart of the casino, ready to enjoy the night on their own terms.

While Rex and his companions enjoyed their time in the casino, Carlos had finally arrived at the nightclub. The outside of the club was alive with vibrant lights and the faint pulse of bass-heavy music that could be felt even before stepping inside.

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The line to get in stretched far down the corridor, packed with elegantly dressed individuals, each waiting impatiently for their turn to enter.

Carlos, however, didn't seem to mind. He stood in the line for VIP guests, casually leaning against the wall while playing the classic Snake game on his arm device to pass the time. His thumb moved with precision as he directed the tiny snake around the screen, trying to break his own record.

Suddenly, one of the nightclub guards stepped out and began shouting above the noise. "Those with VIP passes, please move to the right! If you don't have a VIP pass, stay on the left!"

Hearing this, Carlos slipped his arm device back into standby mode and shifted to the VIP line. As he moved over, he noticed something surprising, the VIP line was almost empty. In fact, there was only one other person standing there, a strikingly beautiful woman just ahead of him.

Curious, Carlos strolled up with his trademark confidence and called out to her. "Hello there! First time here?"

The woman turned around at the sound of his voice, and Carlos had to do a double take. She was absolutely stunning... her long golden hair shimmered under the neon lights, cascading over her shoulders like a waterfall of gold.

She was mature, refined, and exuded an effortless grace. Her figure was voluptuous, with curves that would make any man's jaw drop, and the way her green, feline-like eyes gazed back at him carried a mix of charm and mystery.

Carlos immediately recognized her species. She was a Felinex, a humanoid race with subtle feline features that made them one of the galaxy's most sought-after individuals, whether as companions or, tragically, slaves in certain corrupt circles.

This particular woman had lynx-like ears atop her head that twitched slightly as she regarded him with an amused smile.

"Oh, hi there," she replied, her voice smooth and melodic. "No, it's not my first time. I've visited this cruiser a few times before. I love the cocktails they make here, so I like to come back whenever I can."

She paused, a touch of mischief entering her smile. "Since my husband is always busy, I spend the time meeting new people and enjoying myself."

Carlos raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "And what about you, Sir?" she added politely, tilting her head slightly as her ears twitched.

Carlos waved her off with an easygoing laugh. "Oh, come on now. No need to call me 'Sir.' Just Carlos will do. If you're here to meet people and make friends, I'd be honored if you'd consider me one of them."

The casual, carefree way he spoke left the woman momentarily speechless. She was so used to people either addressing her with overbearing formality or falling over themselves in an attempt to impress her.

This man, however, didn't seem fazed by her presence at all, and that was refreshing.

After a moment, her lips curled into a genuine smile. "Well then, Carlos, you may call me Sharon. It's a pleasure to meet you." Her green eyes sparkled with warmth as she extended her hand to him.n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

Carlos took her hand lightly, offering a charming grin in return. "The pleasure's all mine, Sharon."

"Those in the VIP line, please proceed inside!" the guard shouted, signaling that it was finally their turn.

Carlos looked back at Sharon with a wide smile. "Well then, Sharon! Since this is my first time here and you're officially my first friend on this cruiser, I'd like to give you the honor of escorting me inside."

Sharon blinked, then let out a soft, melodious giggle. It had been years since someone spoke to her with such playful candor. "This will be my first time escorting someone," she replied, her smile as charming as ever. "So please be patient with me."

Carlos gestured dramatically toward the entrance, stepping aside as if presenting her with the path. "Lead the way, my lady. And don't worry, I promise to be a very patient guest."

Together, they entered the nightclub, the pulsating music growing louder as they stepped past the velvet ropes and into a dazzling display of lights and sound.

Inside, the club was a spectacle of extravagance. The lighting was dim but vibrant, with swirling neon patterns illuminating the dance floor, where patrons swayed and moved to the rhythm of a live DJ stationed on an elevated platform.

Holo-displays of shimmering visuals floated above the crowd, adding to the hypnotic energy of the space.

The VIP section was cordoned off by a sleek energy barrier, where tables adorned with crystal glasses and exotic drinks were spread out in a semi-private area overlooking the main floor.

Servers moved gracefully between the tables, delivering trays of colorful cocktails to the well-dressed elite lounging on plush chairs.

Sharon led Carlos toward one of the tables in the VIP area, gesturing for him to sit across from her. "Since it's your first time here, let me order for us," she said confidently, waving down a server.

Carlos leaned back in his seat, his grin never faltering. "A bold move, Sharon. I like it. But I have to warn you, I've got high standards when it comes to drinks."

Sharon raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. "Oh, do you? Well, let's see if I can impress you." She turned to the server and whispered her order, leaving Carlos in suspense.

As they waited for their drinks, Carlos decided to press his luck. "So, Sharon, do you come here often to escape the boring life of the ultra-rich, or am I just lucky enough to catch you on your day off?"

Sharon chuckled, her green eyes sparkling with amusement. "Something like that. It's not often I get to relax like this, so I take the chance when I can."

Carlos tilted his head, studying her carefully. "You know, you don't seem like the type who needs a distraction. You've got that… effortless confidence thing going on. Like someone who knows exactly what she wants."

Sharon's lips curved into a sly smile. "And what makes you think I don't want a distraction every now and then?"

Carlos laughed. "Fair enough. Everyone needs one, I guess. Lucky for you, I happen to be a world-class distraction."

Their conversation was interrupted by the server returning with their drinks, two elegant glasses filled with vibrant, glowing liquid that seemed to shimmer in the dim light.

"Here's to distractions," Sharon said, raising her glass toward Carlos.

"And to meeting new friends," Carlos replied, clinking his glass against hers.

As they sipped their drinks, the music thrummed around them, and Carlos couldn't help but think that maybe this vacation wasn't such a bad idea after all.