Quest for the Ultimate Artifact

Austin Moore stepped into the Arizona airport terminal as the automatic doors closed behind him, sealing him off from the outside world. Bright lights illuminated the expansive terminal, filled with the hum of conversations, the sound of rolling suitcases, and robotic voice announcements. Families hurried past, while others were engrossed in their phones.

Austin continued to walk deeper into the crowd, scanning his surroundings intently for the check-in desk among the travelers. He felt somewhat lost, like a fish out of water. Soon, he spotted a young woman with a pin in her perfectly styled hair behind a counter. With a sense of relief, he quickly approached her, gripping the handle of his luggage as he moved. 

"Hi," Austin greeted, locking his dark blue eyes with the attendant's as he approached.

"Hello! Good afternoon, sir. How may I assist you?" She responded politely. 

"I'm headed to New York. Could you please confirm my flight details and direct me to the gate?" he asked calmly.

"Certainly," she replied, taking some of his travel papers and typing quickly on her keyboard while staring at the screen to view the displayed information. "Your flight boards in an hour at Gate 67. Please head left down the corridor."

"Thank you," Austin said to her as he made his way to the seating area, blending into the bustling crowd and successfully finding a spot to sit. As he waited, sat back, and relaxed, the busy terminal background faded away, and his thoughts gradually drifted to Pineapple Tech.

This job felt like a breakthrough—something he had been striving for through many long and challenging years. After struggling to make ends meet and working countless odd jobs, finally landing this position felt like a well-deserved reward for his perseverance. Although he was nervous, he also recognized that he had earned this opportunity.

"Passengers for Flight 445, please proceed to Gate 67," came the sudden announcement, jolting him from his thoughts. Austin stood up and joined the stream of passengers moving toward the gate, excitement mingling with his nerves.

Once on board, he settled into his window seat, watching the Arizona landscape shrink beneath him as the plane ascended into the clouds. Arizona held bittersweet memories—losing his parents in his late teens and enduring difficult years alone. As much as he missed his hometown, he knew it was time to move on.

Hours later, his plane touched down at JFK Airport. Austin collected his luggage and stepped outside to find a taxi. He slid into the backseat of the cab and provided the driver with the address of his hotel. As they drove, he watched the towering skyscrapers and neon lights flash by, his mind racing with thoughts of his new life.

At the hotel, he checked in and proceeded to his room, a cozy space that offered a breathtaking view of the city skyline.He dropped his bags beside the bed, pulled out his laptop, and walked to the reading corner of the hotel room. After sitting down, he placed his laptop on the table and sent a quick email to confirm his arrival with his new boss at Pineapple Tech.

"Hello, Mr. Marcus. I have arrived safely in New York and look forward to meeting you tomorrow," Austin typed.

Marcus's reply came almost instantly: "Glad to hear that, Austin! Get some rest, and I'll see you tomorrow."

Feeling a rush of excitement, Austin shut off his laptop and allowed himself to relax. His eyelids grew heavy, and sleep came quickly after the exhausting day.

The following morning, Austin woke up early, feeling a blend of nerves and anticipation. His ocean-blue eyes gazed at his reflection in the hotel room mirror as he buttoned his white shirt and adjusted his tie. 

"Everything will be better. I'm ready," he whispered to himself. He picked up his suitcase, filled with his laptop, and headed out of the hotel into the bustling city.

Austin arrived at the Pineapple Tech office building and paused at the entrance, gazing up at the impressive structure. The surrounding streets were reflected in its glass facade. 

"This is it," he whispered. 

When he entered the lobby, which exuded luxury and polish, Austin felt as though he had stepped into a different world, far removed from the casual environments to which he was accustomed.

"Hello, I'm Austin Moore. I'm here to meet the manager by 7:30," he said, glancing at his watch and hoping he wasn't late.

"Welcome to Pineapple Tech, Mr. Moore," said the receptionist, smiling as she gestured toward the elevators. "Please, head straight to the elevator and take it to the 12th floor. Mr. Marcus is waiting for you."

Austin nodded and thanked her before stepping into the elevator. He took a deep breath and mentally prepared himself for what lay ahead. When the doors opened on the 12th floor, he was greeted by Marcus, a middle-aged man with reading glasses perched on his nose. He was dressed casually, yet exuded an air of authority. 

"You must be Austin Moore. I'm Marcus Walker," Marcus said, extending his hand.

"Good morning, sir. It's a pleasure to be here," Austin replied, shaking his hand.

"Welcome to the firm," Marcus said with a smile. 

"Let's head to my office for a quick chat, shall we?" Marcus said, gesturing for Austin to follow him.

Marcus's office was sleek and modern, with walls lined with framed certificates and a bookshelf occupying the opposite side. They walked toward the large desk at the center, which was neatly organized with papers and a high-tech monitor displaying real-time data. As they settled into their chairs, the large window flooded the room with sunlight. 

"Is this your first time in New York?" Marcus asked, leaning back comfortably.

"Yes, sir," Austin replied. 

"Well, you're in for a treat. New York has a completely different energy," Marcus said with a chuckle."There are amazing restaurants, theaters, and opportunities everywhere." 

Austin nodded, feeling somewhat relieved by Marcus's friendly demeanor. 

Marcus glanced at Austin, his expression becoming more serious.

"By the way, Austin," he said slowly, "I'm not just the manager here." 

"What do you mean, sir?" Austin asked, furrowing

his brows in curiosity. 

"I'm actually the head of Pineapple Tech."