Eren's body was drained of all energy after pushing himself to the limits during his rigorous workout session.
Despite having consumed mana-infused drinks earlier, his muscles, mana points, and mana pathways throbbed with fatigue, urging him to seek immediate rest. Eren decided to take a gyro cab home, craving the solace of his bedroom.
Reaching home, a satisfying dinner prepared by Aunt Rumi awaited him. The aroma of her simple, yet delicious risotto filled the air—an indulgence for rankers who often sought solace in mortal food.
Reece watched Eren intently, her curiosity piqued by his evident exhaustion and detached demeanor. Recognizing his dire need for rest, she refrained from engaging him in conversation, opting to silently observe him lost in his own world.
Puzzled by this sudden shift in Eren's behavior, Reece couldn't help but seek validation from her mother, Rumi. Turning her attention to Rumi, Reece inquired, her voice tinged with concern, "Mom... did you notice the change in Eren's demeanor? Sometimes, he gives off strange vibes. It's as if I'm not talking to Eren, or at least not the Eren I know. What do you think?"
Reece playfully toyed with the last morsel of risotto on her spoon as she awaited her mother's response. Rumi's eyes narrowed as she chuckled, her voice filled with a hint of amusement, "Ah, young love—passionate and equally immature."
Reece pouted at her mother's words, a mixture of annoyance and acceptance evident on her face. This time, however, she chose not to challenge her mother's statement and merely sighed.
Rumi chuckled, her amusement lingering as she continued, "It's alright, Reece. Men often appear lost when they lack purpose in life, when they lack something to be truly passionate about. But once they discover that purpose, their personalities undergo a drastic transformation."
Rumi sighed wistfully, her gaze fixed upon an empty void as if lost in memories. Eventually, she shifted her focus back to her daughter, pursing her lips before articulating her thoughts aloud.
"I won't tell you to stay away from Eren, my dear, but I implore you to carefully consider investing your emotions in him. When a man like him finds his passion, everything else tends to become secondary.
It's not easy to be with someone who constantly gazes at a distant horizon, yearning to chase his ever-elusive dreams. Pursuing such a man requires relentless determination, especially when his talent flourishes and hard work bears fruit."
Rumi's words accompanied the final bites of her dinner, and as she observed her daughter's expression of confusion, she smiled mirthlessly. "Hehe, pay no mind to my ramblings, dear. Disregard my advice if it feels too perplexing. Ultimately, follow your heart's desires.
A ranker's journey encompasses a myriad of experiences, and whatever decision you and Eren make, I trust it will be the right one for both of you. While I may not always be there to watch over you, I have my own goals and passions. But when you need me, just call, and I'll be there."
With her plate in hand, Rumi approached her daughter, affectionately ruffling Reece's hair as she passed by. "Oh, and young lady, make sure you finish your dinner. Wasting food won't go unpunished," she added, her voice laced with a hint of sternness.
Reece, snapped out of her contemplation, promptly finished her plate, punctuating her meal with a small, cute burp. She was well aware of her mother's formidable side when it came to such matters.
Once inside his bedroom, Eren promptly locked the door, ensuring he would not be interrupted. Although Reece wouldn't be able to sneak in this time, Eren took precautions, knowing that Aunt Rumi would be staying in the house for a few more days before her next expedition. He didn't want his stalker disturbing him for at least a week.
With the door secured, Eren's mind raced with fragments of memories related to original Eren's side project, memories deeply influenced by the transmigration event.
Having access to the spectral system exclusively at his workspace, Eren had discovered crucial clues pertaining to his project. These clues had allowed him to recollect what the original owner of his body was engaged in just before tragedy struck. It became clear that original Eren had been experimenting with a peculiar entity known as Oshos during his free time.
Seeking knowledge and information available only to Captain Miranda, Eren had approached her, expressing his desire to delve into Bourgys' Oasis. He justified his interest as a means to study the Oasis and Bourgy culture in a safe manner. Little did anyone know the true extent of his intentions.
Eren had devised a meticulously crafted plan to absorb the experiences and memories contained within the Oshos. To expedite his learning process, he aimed to assimilate the knowledge already present within Bourgys' Oasis, effectively walking on the two legs of legality and audacity. The Oasis became his personal backyard, a clandestine ground for these illicit experiments.
After extensive research and perusing restricted information concerning the Oasis and rankers, the original Eren formulated an injectable coding script capable of converting the digital constructs into absorbable packets of information. His unconventional approach set him apart from the talented rankers, showcasing his ingenuity and determination to overcome obstacles on his own terms.
The previous Eren hungered to devour the digital constructs of various personalities, assimilating their experiences and making them his own. Amidst the countless constructs housed within Bourgys' Oasis, original Eren's attention fixated on a hidden enigma—an unfamiliar name whispered only within the confines of the Bourgys' Oasis.
Bruce Lee!
This elusive digital construct held the key to a treasure trove of knowledge and experiences, awaiting discovery within Bourgys' Oasis.
With unwavering resolve, Eren embarked on a path less traveled, drawn to the mysteries that lay dormant within the digital realm, all in pursuit of power and the control over his own destiny.