After saying goodbye to the tailor, Alden and the siblings walked out of the store.
He didn't quite understand the tailor's last words, but he dismissed them.
The man seed genuine.
He was a good guy.
Just as they were walking towards their next stop—
Alden felt a small tug at his clothes.
"Clothes like Yuna." Yuna said, flashing him an innocent smile. "Big bro, thanks."
Alden looked away. He wasn't used to being called that.
But it didn't feel bad.
Mark also added. "Thanks."
"It's alright. Let's grab sothing to eat, shall we?" Alden said.
Honestly, he was hungry, and he was sure the siblings were even more so than him.
As soon as he ntioned food, Yuna's eyes lit up imdiately.
After walking through a busy street for a while, they arrived inside a luxurious restaurant.
The siblings looked a bit hesitant to enter. But they followed after Alden.
They soon took a seat at a table near the window.
Alden looked at the siblings.
He wanted to say they can order anything they want.
But will they even know what is good and what is bad?
They have lived their life in slums.
So Alden ordered on their behalf.
The food arrived.
Piping hot, rich with spices and flavour—things the siblings likely hadn't tasted in years, if ever.
Yuna didn't wait. The mont the plate touched the table, she dug in, eyes wide with wonder.
Mark hesitated for just a second, then followed suit, trying—and failing—to keep a straight face as the taste hit him.
Alden just watched them eat.
He didn't speak. He barely touched his own food.
He only watched—with quiet, soft eyes.
There was sothing about seeing them like this… full, content, alive—that stirred sothing in him he hadn't felt in a long ti.
When the al was done, Yuna leaned back in her chair, sighing happily. "Best food ever."
Mark gave a small nod, wiping his mouth. "It was good. Really good."
Alden smiled faintly. "Glad you liked it."
They left the restaurant. After wandering for a few more hours with the siblings, the sun began to dip.
Even Mark's guarded attitude began to drop slightly.
Alden walked them back in silence to their ho in silence.
Yuna looked up at Alden. "Will see you we again, Big Bro?"
Alden paused.
Then he ruffled her hair gently. "I'll find you when I need a guide again."
She grinned.
Alden then gave Mark a gold coin. "Here, this is your fee for today."
Mark's eyes widened. "It's too much."
"Just take it." Alden flashed him a smile.
Mark gave a small, respectful nod. "Thanks for everything."
Alden just waved and turned back.
He didn't look back.
__
Alden was back at the hotel.
Tomorrow was the day.
The demon contractors were going to attack them. The chaos was going to unfold.
Many students were going to die. Alden felt bad, but he couldn't avoid it.
I hope Lucien finally snaps out of his simp mode.
It didn't matter if Alden accepted it or not. Lucien was the world's chosen one. His potential was too high to be wasted simping on soone.
Today had provided Alden so breathing room. His nerves, tense from the upcoming arc and the vision he had seen, had finally cald down a little.
He recalled the smile on Mark and Yuna's faces.
He had decided to save Mark, but he didn't know how.
He wasn't going to be staying in Lustra for long. And he couldn't just take them to the academy with him.
What if?
What if I introduce them to the Luminous Accord?
Cipher did ntion they recruited children with potential to the organisation.
But will they take my words?
He quickly ssages Cipher, asking if he could recomnd soone.
Her response didn't take much ti.
____
No.
___
It was a clear rejection.
What the hell?
At least provide so reason.
He ssaged again, asking if there was so way.
Again, the response was near imdiate.
Does she have no work rather than idling?
Alden couldn't help but wonder.
_____
If you have enough contribution points, we can take your recomndation into consideration.
_____
So I just need contribution points, huh?
That was simple.
Although Alden didn't rember most information from the novel. He did rember so crucial information.
He could just sell it to get contribution points.
He didn't enquire any further. He was going to sell the information after tomorrow's event.
For now, he decided to take a rest.
He needed to be at his full strength for tomorrow after all.
__
The next day.
All the students were gathered in front of a teleportation portal.
The portal was situated inside the hotel basent.
It was the only portal connecting the ruins to the city of Lustra.
It was done by Jeremy. He was the one who found the ruins after all. So only people authorised by him were allowed to enter the exploration site.
It was still early in the morning, and most students looked sleepy.
Sorin stood in front of the class with his gaze passing through all the students.
The other professors did the sa with their class.
After the attendance, Sorin announced.
"Today will be the first day of Ancient Ruin exploration." He spoke. "You'll travel in groups."
First and last day.
Alden thought in his mind. After the demon contractors attack, the trip will be cancelled as a whole.
"Your job will be to prepare research papers on your findings. They will be evaluated for your final grade."
"Now follow behind your respective professors." He said. "Enter the portal one by one.
As the students disappeared into the shimring portal one by one.
Alden stood silently, staring into the swirling light.
He let out a quiet breath.
This was it.
The point where things would spiral.
He clenched his fists.
His first and foremost goal—to survive.
Because this ti, he wasn't just a reader.
He was here.
He stepped into the portal.
The light engulfed him, and the world dissolved into white.
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