Bruce was fast asleep when Bobby opened the door and walked into the room looking tired and worn out.
He effortlessly brought down the bag hanging on his shoulders and flung it to a corner of the room. He looked at his son who lay on the mat snoring. He joined Bruce on the mat, sat and leaned his back against the old wall that had cracks like veins designed on it.
Originally, the cost of awakening the spirit soul had been fixed at 30,000 colongs, but after going back to make enquiries during the day, he discovered the cost had increased almost doubling. After all soul emperors were becoming rear.
Only soul emperors were capable of enabling children awaken their spirit souls. The spirit souls had ranks, human were naturally born into their various ranks. So finding a soul emperor was very taxing because they were at the apex of the food chain. spirit soul were ranked into seven: soul bearer, soul beast, soul king, soul lord, soul grand lord, emperor and soul god. One could easily tell by the soul spirit the rank it possessed. The colony didn't waste time in employment of any soul emperor they found no matter how young or old.
Now the cost was set at C50,000. This amount of money naturally didn't appear astronomical, at least an average person could pay such amount of money if offered a good job that pays well.
Bobby didn't have a good job because he lacked primary education. However, companies were unwilling to employ illiterates to run their affairs, because they might as well run at a loss. This condition didn't give Bobby much thought, as long as he continued what he was doing, himself and Bruce would survive. Yet after many years of saving Bobby had acquired C40,000. He knew he would be able to complete it under the next two years. For sure Bruce was going to unlock his son's spirit soul.
Just as the thoughts flowed in and out of his head, he fell into a deep sleep.
Tap! Tap!
"Dad! Dad! it's time for morning workout". "what?" Bobby was shocked, it was already another morning?? Bobby hesitantly stood up from the mat and followed Bruce to the backyard.
while the workouts was ongoing Bobby carefully observed his son. Bruce was now more agile and enthusiastic about the workouts. Bobby kept it all to himself without having said a word.
After all the workouts, the two had breakfast together engaging in several conversations and erring each others views concerning several things going on in the colony. when all was said and done, Bobby slipped two currency notes into his son's hand, "help yourself before I get back". Bruce then bade his dad farewell as he watched him disappear into the crowd. It was not a new thing that he received two currency notes today, it was an everyday phenomenon. After some thought, he stored the money away in his saving box.
He put in his clothes and immediately headed for the firm, not leaving behind the paper Lisa gave to him.
Bruce entered the floor without hesitation and headed straight to the lift, but it was not there. That spot had been occupied by stairs, is this the power of a spirit soul?? Bruce resolved to unlock his spirit soul by any means. He turned around to take a proper look at the building, it was now he finally realized that the floor had somewhat undergone some changes, it looked entirely different.
Bruce spotted a receptionist from where he stood. Although he had come this far, he was still a child and lacked confidence. After thinking for a while, he summoned courage and walked towards the lady that seated across.
without paying much attention to the kid infront of her, "how may I assist you, young man??" she asked contemptuously. without wasting any time, Bruce took out the paper Lisa had given to him and handed it over to the lady. She looked at it then looked at the kid again, stood up from her desk and motioned for Bruce to follow her. Bruce heaved a sigh of relief and promptly followed her silently.
The lady stopped at the front of a door and motioned for him to enter. He sent her a stare of appreciation and she flashed him a contemptuous gaze before departing.
Bruce knocked the door before him and entered. Lisa gestured for him to sit down, then she begun "you lack primary education and you are yet to unlock your spirit soul, the company is unwilling to employ you." Bruce frowned at this revelation. Tears began to stream down his eyes, and in a short while he began sobbing. He hoped to help his dad reduce the pressure and stress he added, but yet things had turned out wrong. "but..." Bruce raised his head when he heard Lisa. " I am willing to take you as my student, train you in all areas. If you agree, I will pay a monthly wage of C5,000, only if you agree!!" he hadn't heard right? Lisa had just given him such an offer!! Right now, he could not hold back "off course I agree" he stood up and hugged Lisa tightly. He couldn't contain the ecstasy in his heart.
Bruce was happy, that was fine, infact it was cool, but Lisa was happier. Although Bruce observed it, he wasn't sure of the reason so he waved the thoughts out of his head.
Bruce arranged his training days and classes with Lisa, but was careful to leave mornings and evenings out of the picture so his dad doesn't get to find out. Bruce was just ready to keep it a secret from his dad as long as possible.
On his way home he purchased some food with the money Lisa had given him. when he arrived home, he began to eat before his dad strode into the room. Bobby was shocked to see his son eating. what had he been doing all along?? When Bruce saw Bobby enter the room he left his food and ran to hug his dad. "welcome dad" Bruce said welcoming his father. Bobby nodded and pulled out a nylon from his bag. Something was wrapped in it but was difficult to tell exactly what was in the bag. " hmmph" Bruce quickly perceived something. He began to snort to find out where the smell was coming from. when he discovered it was from his dad's hand, he snatched the nylon and opened it in anticipation, Bruce eyes shone on seeing the contents of the bag. "wow.....!! things are changing dad" Bobby smiled at his son, and nodded. He didn't know why his son had made this statement, could it be because of the item he had just brought back??
Bruce hurriedly devoured what was given to him, then the two retired to bed.
when Bruce heard his dad snore, he smiled and said " my first achievement!!" then he closed his eyes and dozed off.