Vik delved into Eren's memories.
He discovered a disheartening truth. The majority of individuals residing in Elysian cities, such as Phoenix, were Rankers, while the mortal population dwindled rapidly.
What struck Vik even more was the absence of lifespan restrictions among the citizens of these cities. They were oblivious to the concept of MCP chips, unlike the Bourgys living in the Wastelands.
'Those outside the Elysian cities are branded as inhabitants of the Wastelands,' Vik muttered, growing frustrated with the pretentious and self-centered nature of the residents of the Elysian cities.
He couldn't help but feel unease growing in his heart as he realized how the previous stratum of society to which he belonged was looked down upon by the Elysian citizens.
Vik reached the conclusion that if the city-state of Phoenix didn't impose MCP chip restrictions on its citizens, other Elysian cities likely followed suit. Consequently, the lifespan restriction solely affected those residing in the so-called Wastelands.
'Why in the world are they tormenting us while allowing these people to live without restrictions? It's just not fair,' Vik exclaimed, his frustration mounting. However, he found it ironic to complain about unfairness given that he had taken over the body of a man five years younger than him.
Sighing, he dismissed such thoughts. He didn't represent the Bourgys, nor did he align himself with the citizens of the Elysian cities. He stood on his own side, disconnected from their factions.
Nevertheless, the division of the human population into Elysian cities surrounded by patches of Wastelands, further divided by city-states and tribal communities, intrigued Vik. He scoffed at the notion of a food shortage, knowing that the people in the Elysian cities lived like kings and wasted more food than the Wastelands' inhabitants would ever need. Opening the Elysian cities to the rest of the human population, including Rankers, mortals, and Bourgys, could solve the problem of scarcity.
'There must be a reason behind all this. Eren seemed to be researching this topic, or something related to it. Those memories are still difficult to recall,' Vik mused, frustration lingering in his mind. Lost in his thoughts, he absentmindedly tapped Reece's buns, channeling his lightning element through his fingers once again. A faint moan escaped Reece's lips, but Vik was too engrossed in his contemplation to notice.
Resolving to adhere to the routine set by his workplace, Vik acknowledged that diligently working in a direction entirely different from his previous job experiences would feel awkward. Nonetheless, work was work, and he believed in contributing his fair share to the world.
Vik had always been self-reliant, aspiring to move away from the current house and secure a place of his own within an Elysian city, regardless of its size or condition.
However, there was another matter that required his attention. 'I need to uncover the reasons behind the exclusion of people outside the Elysian cities from advanced societies and the imposition of lifespan restrictions. If not for personal gain, then for the sake of my own peace of mind,' Vik contemplated. He hoped that Eren's workplace held clues to this research. Taking it one step at a time, he reassured himself.
Chuckling at the memories of past endeavors with his brother Tory, Vik recollected Tory's advice not to exert control over everything beyond his reach. Accepting that there were factors beyond his control, he understood the toll it would take on his mental well-being. 'That dickhead sometimes makes sense,' Vik chuckled.
Taking a deep breath, Vik acknowledged his struggle to come to terms with his altered reality. He possessed a rational mind that typically kept emotions at bay, but he recognized its limitations. He needed to sift through his thoughts, establish clear goals, and rebuild himself from scratch. He couldn't simply follow Eren's path; he had to find his own way.
Reflecting on Eren's tragic past and the impact of his parents' sudden disappearance, Vik understood the transformation that had turned Eren bitter and hardened. Despite his rough exterior, Eren showed respect and care for those who took him in, especially Reece. Eren's inferiority complex as a non-Metahuman prevented him from readily reciprocating Reece's feelings, even though he began to feel something for her recently.
However, time had unexpectedly run out for Eren in his pursuit of power, leaving Vik with a mix of emotions and a determination to forge his own path in this new world.