Sam stood in the middle of the vast, flowering expanse of Pushp Lok, overwhelmed by the beauty and tranquility of the space. The vibrant colors, the gentle hum of pollinating insects, and the fragrant air were almost too much to take in. It felt like a dream, a paradise hidden from the world.
He looked around, trying to make sense of his surroundings and the new reality he had stepped into. The telepathic message he had received upon entering the portal still echoed in his mind, leaving him with more questions than answers. Gathering his thoughts, he decided to address the voice that had spoken to him.
"Hello?" he called out tentatively, his voice trembling slightly. "Can you hear me? I have some questions."
There was a brief silence, and then the familiar sensation of a voice entering his mind returned. "Yes, Sam Walker, I can hear you. What do you wish to know?"
Sam took a deep breath. "My grandfather, Richard Walker—did he come here? Did he ever see this place?"
"Yes," the voice responded immediately. "Your grandfather, Richard Walker, did arrive at this place decades ago. However, his experience was different from yours. While he had access to the products of Pushp Lok, his talent did not reach the threshold required for full ownership. He could not alter or control the space as you can."
Sam felt a surge of emotions. He had always admired his grandfather and knowing that he had been here filled him with a sense of connection and continuity. "So, he never knew about the full potential of this place?"
"Correct," the voice affirmed. "Richard Walker used the resources available to him but did not have the authority to change or optimize the space. You, however, have surpassed those limitations."
"Wow," Sam whispered, his mind reeling. "I never imagined... I mean, I knew my grandfather was special, but this..."
He paused, then asked another question. "Is there anything else I should visit or see in Pushp Lok? I want to understand everything about this place."
"Indeed, there are many places and aspects of Pushp Lok worth exploring," the voice replied. "However, it is important to note that while you possess full control over this sub-space, it will take time for you to adapt and fully utilize your new abilities. Your mind must gradually acclimate to the vast amount of information and control required."
Sam nodded, realizing the truth in those words. "And what are you exactly? This voice, this presence that speaks to me?"
"I am Pushp, the spirit of Pushp Lok," the voice answered. "I was created by the last owner of this sub-space. I possess autonomous thinking capability and high-speed calculation abilities, akin to an advanced form of artificial intelligence. My purpose is to maintain and optimize Pushp Lok in the absence of an active owner."
"Pushp Lok," Sam repeated, letting the name roll off his tongue. "And Pushp... it's named after the Flower King?"
"Indeed," Pushp confirmed. "The creator of this space was known by the title Pushp Raj, which means Flower King in Hindi. My name, Pushp, is derived from his title."
Sam marveled at the intricate history and the mystical nature of this place. "So, Pushp Lok maintains an inventory of its products?"
"Yes," Pushp replied. "Every century, items that have been in the inventory for that duration are discarded and recycled into the natural cycle of Pushp Lok. In the absence of an owner, the space maintains a millennium worth of product inventory, stored high up in the sky to avoid interfering with the natural balance."
"A millennium worth of inventory?" Sam echoed, astonished. "Just the daily output here could provide me with a comfortable life. If I were to sell this millennium inventory... I could be among the wealthiest in the world."
"Correct," Pushp said. "Would you like to visit the inventory warehouse?"
"Yes," Sam said without hesitation. "Show me the way."
As he walked through the fields of flowers, Sam felt an even deeper connection with the space. Each step seemed to heighten his awareness, his senses attuned to the gentle rustling of petals, the hum of bees, and the vibrant energy that pulsed through Pushp Lok.
Pushp guided him to a secluded area, where a hidden path led to a large, ethereal structure. The warehouse was unlike anything Sam had ever seen, constructed from a translucent material that shimmered in the light. Inside, rows upon rows of shelves stretched out, filled with jars of honey, bundles of dried flowers, vials of bee venom, and other precious products.
Sam walked among the shelves, awestruck by the sheer volume and variety of goods. "This is incredible," he muttered. "I've never seen anything like it."
He tried to estimate the value of the inventory but quickly realized the task was beyond him. The numbers were staggering, and his mind struggled to grasp the full extent of the wealth contained here.
Sensing his struggle, Pushp intervened. "Would you like me to calculate the total worth of this inventory?"
"Yes, please," Sam said, feeling a mix of curiosity and anticipation.
There was a brief pause as Pushp processed the request. "Based on current market values, the total worth of the millennium inventory in Pushp Lok is approximately fifty billion dollars."
Sam's breath caught in his throat. "Fifty billion... that's... unbelievable."
"The calculation is accurate," Pushp assured him. "I accessed the internet and gathered recent market prices for all relevant products. The total worth is a precise figure."
Sam felt a wave of exhilaration and relief. With this wealth, he could achieve anything. His worries about his job, his financial stability, and his future evaporated. He had inherited not just a legacy, but a treasure beyond his wildest dreams.
"Thank you, Pushp," he said, his voice filled with gratitude. "I can't believe this is real."
"It is real, Sam Walker," Pushp replied. "And now, as the rightful owner of Pushp Lok, you have the power and responsibility to shape its future."
Sam nodded, a sense of purpose filling him. He had a lot to learn and many decisions to make, but for the first time in his life, he felt truly empowered. With Pushp Lok at his side, the possibilities were endless.