Pretending to be a noob in a world scaled by power level

[99] The magnifique

Guarding the entrance of The Magnifique stood two imposing beastkin figures - one a bull beastkin and the other, a horse beastkin. They were the gatekeepers, the first line of defense, and their towering presence was enough to deter any unruly behavior at the threshold of the luxurious establishment.

The bull beastkin was an impressive sight, standing at over seven feet tall. His physique was incredibly muscular and robust, a testament to the strength he possessed. He wore a uniform tailored to accentuate his massive build, a deep navy-blue suit with golden trims, signifying his role as a guard. His face was a mix of beast and man - a broad nose, sharp, alert eyes, and a pair of grand, curved horns that swept back from his forehead, polished to a gleam.

In contrast, the horse beastkin, although tall and well-built, had a more slender and agile build compared to his companion. His suit was identical, but the fit was more streamlined to his form. His face was long and featured a pair of expressive, intelligent eyes. His hair was a slick, dark mane that flowed down his neck, while a set of strong, compact horse ears protruded from the top of his head. His most defining feature was his large horse tail, which occasionally flicked side to side, betraying his calm demeanor.

Together, they presented a stark contrast, yet their presence was harmonious. The bull, symbolizing raw strength and power, and the horse, embodying speed and vigilance, made for a formidable duo guarding the entrance of The Magnifique. Their demeanors were stoic, their eyes sharp and always surveying the crowd, making it clear that they were not to be trifled with.

We walked past the bouncers without any problems.

Upon entering The Magnifique, we were greeted by the stunning grandeur of the lobby. The air buzzed with an atmosphere of luxury and excitement. An opulent chandelier, dripping with glittering crystals, hung from the gilded ceiling, casting a soft, mesmerizing glow across the room. The walls were adorned with lush tapestries and intricate murals depicting various scenes of merriment and gambling, each telling a story of its own.

Directly in front of us, a large, circular reception desk took center stage. It was crafted from polished mahogany, its dark hue contrasting sharply with the vibrant chaos of the casino around it. Behind the desk, uniformed staff bustled about, their faces alight with warm, welcoming smiles.

To the left and right, grand marble staircases swept elegantly towards the upper floors, their gleaming white railings lined with golden filigree. The marble steps were carpeted in plush crimson velvet, giving them a soft, luxurious feel. Flanking the staircases were large archways leading to the gambling areas, their entrances obscured by heavy, velvet curtains.

On either side of the lobby were rows of plush, upholstered seats and intricately carved tables. Here, guests could enjoy a drink from the bar, situated at the far left end of the room. It was a long, curved counter, behind which a selection of fine wines, spirits, and liquors from all over the world were proudly displayed.

The sound of laughter, clinking glasses, and the soft hum of chatter filled the room, creating a lively and inviting atmosphere. The grand lobby of The Magnifique was an impressive spectacle, a testament to the lavish, hedonistic lifestyle that the city of Mamoth was known for.

The receptionist, a young woman with golden curls piled high on her head, looked up at my arrival. Her eyes widened slightly at the sight of the black card I placed on the desk, an obvious recognition of its significance flashing in her eyes.

"Ah, Mr. Decor," she said, her voice was polished and professional, with a hint of respect lacing her words. "Welcome to The Magnifique. We have been expecting you."

She quickly picked up the black card, carefully swiping it through a small machine on her side of the desk. The device beeped, flashing a green light. She then looked back up at me, her demeanor growing more cordial.