I awoke relatively early. Mom said that we're going to buy my things today.
So I wanted to do my early morning exercises, much earlier than usual.
Getting off the bed slowly, I carefully stand on my own.
My legs are weak but not so much, it just that they tire so much easily. So I need the cane in order to walk by myself.
This exercise I do is to help my legs to, although not by much, regain their strength much faster.
Now positioning. I do some squats. Note. I never get pass 12. That's my record before my legs feels like they're burning and wobbly. So I always rest for a minute or two before doing continuing. I did that for thirty minutes.
Next are some push ups.
This is much easier. My arms are much stronger than my legs. So I last longer. Though I never get pass 25. With some breaks in between to not strain my body, I also did that for thirty minutes.
And lastly, are some pull ups. The same. I did that for thirty minutes.
Then I rest for another thirty minutes before getting my cane by the bed side.
I went to the bathroom and do the morning routine I'm used to. That's toilet business, taking a nice hot bath and brushing my teeth.
And oh, this maybe an ordinary house but we do have our own bathrooms. That stands to say that the Edevanes are relatively well off.
If it isn't because of me being veggie, and mom having an agreement with the hospital she works for, that as long as they don't pull the plug on me she will offer her free services to them.
In my original world, this is something illegal. But I guess, even the laws of this world isn't that much developed and refined as there.
Well, this caused the family to rely solely on Richard's job for a living.
Richard is a head auto mechanic at an automotive company, called Lauxy. And he earns just enough for this family to be sustained for the past eleven years.
He also designs cars, engines, the likes.
So now that mom doesn't have to work for free, the family's life should also start improving from now.
I wore the only long sleeve red checkered polo and a pair of pants from my wardrobe.
I picked this to at least hide my scrawny body.
I say that but it's just my personal view that I brought here from my previous life. My, Aziel the Original's body, isn't really a walking skeleton. I was a fit man in my last life, which I'm required to be, and I've been surrounded by the guys, the ones assigned to keep an eye on me, who looked like they are heavy lifter athletes. So my view is quite screwed.
In truth, Aziel is lean at most.
Also, what I didn't know is that, I've still been underestimating the Vitality Stat and Charm Stat that I have. In the views of other people, Aziel, I, look like an insecure petty boy.
Health: 105/105
Strength: 43/100
Stamina: 48/50
Agility: 29/100
Dexterity: 23/100
Magic: 100/100
Vitality: 69/100
Charm: 45/100
Intelligence: 75/100
Points to distribute: 0
Market points: 100
Abilities: None
I go downstairs where I found mom making breakfast in the kitchen.
"Oh Aziel. You're up early."
"I thought you said we will be shopping today? So I woke up early because you normally go to work by the afternoon..."
"Oh honey, I have the week off. The directors let me easily, since this is the first time i asked for a leave for eleven years." She replied casually, but I flinched at that.
"You should take this time to relax then." I say with an obvious concern on my voice.
"Aw~ honey mom's alright. You don't have to worry about me. Now could you please prepare the table? The kids and dad should be coming down soon."
I did just as she said. I prepared for the five of us. Grandpa and grandma left yesterday after the party, so it's just us now.
I saw two small heads poking out the corner of the doorway.
"Luke, Nicole, come!" I ushered.
The two are still meek towards me. Although they do come slowly. Once they are close enough, I carry them one at a time very carefully and put them on their chairs. Thankfully I'm agile enough to do it without ruining my image as their big brother.
Luke is a boy version of mom. Blond hair and that gold-like eyes, white porcelain skin. I can pretty much see his future as a Casanova guaranteed.
Nicole on the otherhand, is a girl version of dad. That glamorous chestnut colored hair, clear blue eyes and fair skin. She is also tall for her age. She's a year younger than Luke but they have the same height. I can already see her becoming top model when she grows up.
Damn! The genes of these two...!
I, on the otherhand is the mixed breed of the family. So I also have great hopes for my future.
Done was done cooking so I served them myself. It's pancakes!
I pour some syrups for the kids and made a smiley face with some fruits. And I scored some giggles with that. Sweet!
Just at that moment, dad also came down and we proceeded to eat...
"Mom, can Luke and Nicole come with us?" I asks amidst eating.
I figured I had to spend some quality time with the kids if I want them to open up to me.
And I immediately see their eyes sparkle with that.
"They have pre-school to go to Aziel, so they can't." Mom shot them a look also noticing that.
They made some audible whine in return but didn't fight for it.
"I'll take care of the kids. I'll talk them to school. You two, just go ahead." Dad then said.
We go by bus to a half an hour ride famous Mall in the city. This is in the middle of the metropolitan area. And if I'm not wrong, dad's company should also be near here.
I know because he showed me a bit around the city during our ride home from the hospital yesterday. Also because I kept asking.
For a mall in another world, that is supposed to be not as advanced as my previous world, this is amazing in its own way. I'm awestruck!
Not including to the equation the occasional people swishing through the skies since we reached the business district, their displays and attractions alone... Amazing!
Okay! First of all, there's this gigantic fountain in the middle of the open air hall of the mall. And by gigantic, I mean, it's as tall as the building itself!
Around it there's six pillars, each depicting an art. Each seems to follow the same theme; there seems to be angels that serves as the base of the pillars. They use their bodies to form a stool and the one that mightily stands atop them must be depictions of the Gods and Goddesses of this world.
And you bet it! Each pillar are formed using the six elements; earth, wind, water, fire, light, and void (darkness/shadow)! And they are even bigger than the fountain.
"Uwooo~...!"
For ones, I must really look like my age with my expression right now.
As expected from a world with a society built around Gods and magic! I don't even know what to say...
A giggle from behind me snaps me out of my stupor.
"Hehehe! You look the same as when you first came here." Mom says as she pinches my cheek.
"A-ah! But it's incredible!" I quickly cover up.
Shit! I need to control my expressions! This shouldn't be Aziel's first time here, I should not react like this!
"I know, even I'm the same. But stop gawking like that now and let's go, honey. Less you'll be mistaken for a country bumkin!" With a teasing smile she walks ahead of me.
"!... I'm not a bumkin!" I yell back before running after her. And that just earned me a laugh from mom.
We went to various stores. Mom practically made wear anything she thought would look good on me. I can't even count the number of times I went in and out the stores' dressing rooms. I felt like a live doll and mom uses me for playing dress up.
I'm actually used to this things. In my last life, I went to shopping with many girls and they did the same. But this is my first time being on the receiving side.
But I gotta admit, that a mother's take on her son's fashion is legit!
And mom is especially eager about it. I think it's because she can finally take care and buy things for her son when she thought she wouldn't be able to again.
We ended up buying dozens of clothing alone. Plus, my other necessities like; towels, toothbrush, hair products, shoes, even a watch, a chain necklace and others.
You may think this is too much, but for my parents, apparently, they've been saving up for this ever since they came to meet with fact that I would be in a long long long sleep. And would probably wake up, a long time from then. They didn't lose hope even though they knew it might take years, and the possibility that I would never wake up is very close. This is also apparently, the same day that mom made that deal with the hospital directors.
Mom also bought some for herself. Now we are back to the hall earlier to take a break. But mainly because, my legs can't take anymore of those walking here and there.
With the amount of items we bought, mom made for it to be delivered home instead, with the mall service. Saving me from having to carry it around.
We returned to the hall and rested at the bench near the fountain.
"Aziel, I'm gonna buy me some make-ups. So you could stay here, rest and wait for me... Or, here." She says and hands me a hundred rio bill.
Rio is the currency of this country. Dirived from, Rinon, thus rio.
"..." I slowly took it.
"I might take a while take a while, so if you get bored you could look around so take it in case you want to buy anything. Just make sure to come back here before noon, then we'll go have lunch before we buy you a new phone, okay?" She says, strictness on her voice.
It seems she's starting to trust me. She think of me as having the mentality of a five year-old child, at least that's what I think. Or this may be a test, to see if I could really handle myself...
I must be thinking too much.
"Okay mom!" I replied as so.
"Alright... Remember before noon!" Walking away, she gives me one last glare as reminder which I only replied to with a wide grin.
I rested there for about ten minutes, the I venture around to take a look at the place more. This mall is just really fascinating.
"..."
I admire the wondrous attractions as I walk.
As expected of another world...
"... Hmmm~... Yup!... I'm lost..." I was looking for a map! But of course they think to place any!
Damn! In this maze of a mall, why didn't they think of putting maps? Of all things really...!
CRASH!!!
There is suddenly a loud crash from two corners ahead...
"... W-what...?" Confused, distraught and now nervous at the same time, I decided to check it out...
There's not much people walking in this part of the mall. The stalls and shops here are all closed. Curious, I peeked from a corner to see what was happening in there.
"Let go of me! Bastards!" There's a girl my age being pinned to a spot by three men.
"Hmph! Where's the haughty attitude from yesterday now, Lana?" This one looks like their leader.
"Hehehe! Not so courageous now that you're all alone, are you?" That's typical sidekick number one.
"Where's your group now Lana? Did the chicken out on you, after yesterday? Huh?! HAHAHA..." Nad typical sidekick number two.
"Puh! In your dreams! You only know how to take advantage of someone when they're alone!" She spit on typical sidekick number two's face!
This girl's wild! And she's freaking hot!
Mission:
Be able to walk by yourself.
Rewards:
5 Stat points
10 Market points
Save the girl.
Rewards:
1 Stat point
5 Market points
There comes a sudden prompt.
I already planned to even without you...
"... Hmph!"
Smack!
"Kyaaa!"
I stiffened. Did he really just hit her across the face?
Bastard!
Now you've pissed me off!
If there's anything I hate the most... It's seeing a girl being hit!
It makes me remember those pictures the guys sent me of my, although not real, I still thought of whoever it is that they abused, as my sister...
Now, I don't know who these guys are but I'll make you regret pussing off an ex con man!
Smirk!
I took a deep breath and...
"You really hit me?... You... Scum!"
"Heh! So what? Are you gonna..."
"POLICE! POLICE! Hurry! It's right here! They're harassing a woman! Quick!... THERE!"
"""!!!"""
"Shit! Shit!"
"We can't get caught let's go!"
"Y-you... We're not done yet Lana! You...!"
"Idiot! Let's just go!"
"?!..."
Mission:
Be able to walk by yourself.
Rewards:
5 Stat points
10 Market points
Save the girl. [FINISHED]
Reward:
1 Stat point
5 Market points
Health: 105/105
Strength: 43/100
Stamina: 32/50
Agility: 29/100
Dexterity: 23/100
Magic: 100/100
Vitality: 69/100
Charm: 45/100
Intelligence: 75/100
Points to distribute: 1
Market points: 105
Abilities: None
"Hahahaha! Look at them scram! Hahahaha!" I laugh out loud.
Its just so hilarious seeing them trip of their own feet trying to run away faster!
"... You?" The girl, Lana, came out of that corner looking around.
"Where's the..." She starts...
"There's none! It was an act!" I cut her off and answered her unfinished question amidst an unconstrained giggle.
"!... You...!" Her reaction is priceless, with her eyes widening as she realizes what really happened.
Seing that, I laugh harder and she ended up laughing with me.
"You're crazy, dude!" She says while trying to calm down.
I notice she's a tomboy-ish girl. She's a head shorter than me. Black hair in a high ponytail, charming almond eyes and smooth porcelain skin.
I said this before, but she's hot! Especially, with her red sports bra, black jacket and tight black jeans.
"I'm Aziel. And your welcome by the way, miss...? " I playfully/sneakily asks her name
Taking advantage of my cane, I act as if a noble, slightly bowing while raising a brow her way.
I already know her name, but let's maintain to be a gentleman here...
"Heh! Proud! Who said I needed your help? And I'm Lana for your convenience." She plays along, taking the role of a noble lady, handing over her hand my way.
Don't mind if I do!
Taking her hand in mine, I kiss the back of her hand.
She's fun. We click together instantly.
"What is a girl like you doing here anyways? This is a secluded place, its not a surprise if anything like that happens." I reprimand her slightly.
"Haah... Those bastards mislead me into thinking my friend wanted to meet up here... I should've known, I had a bad feeling since I got to this area..." She walks back into that corner, seemingly looking for something.
"You should've had continued if you had a suspicion in the first place..."
"Yeah but I thought I was talking to my friend, you know?" She picked up a broken cellphone by the containers on the side.
"Your phone?" It's obvious though.
"Yeah... Those bastard!" She then proceeded to throw it back there anyways.
"What about you? What are you doing here?"
"I am glamorously lost and found myself here! You should really thank me for that." I say proudly.
"Hahaha what the heck?! Okay, thank you for getting lost?" I scored a laugh from her.
"Yep! That's why... Help me..." I then plead her with my eyes.
I seriously don't know how to come back.
She laughed at me even more hearing that.
"Alright, alright I'll help you."
We finally made it back to the hall. She offered to treat me to a meal as thanks for my help but since me and mom are suppose to have lunch together, I declined and told her to show me around instead. In which she agreed so here we are strolling to some stalls and looking to some stores.
"Erm... Are you sure you don't need to sit for a bit? That..." She stare at my cane.
Oh, she must think I have an injury or something.
"This? Nah, it just helps me to walk since my legs aren't really that strong because of not being used for a long time." I answered casually.
"Hm? What's that? Did you lay down and never stood for so long?" She jokingly said accompanied by a laugh.
"Mmm-... Yeees, actually..."
"Huh? Are you for real?" Still laughing she asks in surprise.
"Yep! I just got out of coma, 'ya see..."
"..." With that her laugh died.
Her eyes became saucers in shock.
"Oh, I-I...." She started...
"Nah! It's nothing. I'm just as surprised as you are actually." I brushed it off like that.
"Oh. Yeah... Makes sense. It must've been confusing for you, huh?" She asks, genuin concern on her eyes.
"Well, at first. But I have my family so it eased up eventually." I say then send a smile her way in attempt to dispel her discomfort.
"Oh! That's nice, good for you then. For how long have you been in coma again?" It seems to work as she get back to her usual attitude.
Smirk!
"... Eleven years." Slightly building up a suspense, i uttered the answer casually.
"ELEVEN YEARS!" She yell in surprise.
She's amusing.