A few weeks had passed since Michael reached level 22 and started living in the slums.
His day to day life consisted of waking up, eating, opening the church, blessing and or healing everyone and lastly, closing up. Just to repeat it all again the next day.
He didn't have anywhere to go outside of the church, he tried walking around but the gazes he got were a bit too overwhelming.
Besides that, there was not much to see, just regular housing with a pub or two on a street, really typical.
Michael was currently sitting on a makeshift chair he made for himself, it was situated by the Statue of Gabriel inside of the church.
He spent most of his time here, so he thought that comfort should be on his agenda. Next to him was the old man, Alfred.
Michael asked Alfred about the situation surrounding the awakened, and why none were healers.
However the answer he received was a bit odd.
"Being a healer is rare, and most that awaken as healers leave to the upper city to fulfill their dreams." Alfred explained with a sad smile.
That answer did seem a little odd, his class was Common rarity, how was it any rare at all?
"Most of us awaken as simple warriors, it is almost like a curse in all of our bloodlines."
It could be possible, don't tell him that though, he might get depressed.
Michael rolled his eyes at the system 'Got it.'
"What class are you then?" He asked Alfred with slight curiosity, if he were to guess, then he'd say it was warrior.
"Oh I am a Monk"
Michael's lips trembled a little bit 'A monk? Seriously?'
The man had a full head of hair, even if it was gray. Though with his figure he could be considered a Monk, he was really skinny.
'Judging by his ripped clothing maybe he was not materialistic at all?' Michael couldn't help but think, his previous world's stereotypes clearly showing.
Michael, it's done, you are safe to come out, all you have to do is show up at the police station and get your ID done.
A voice suddenly resounded in Michael's head, it was Meph.
'That didn't take as long as I thought, how did you do it?' Michael wondered.
When all else failed I told them you were a healer, you should have seen their faces.
Meph's laughter resounded inside of his head.
Though Michael didn't seem too happy 'Arent't they going to force me to work for them now or something?'
That's what I thought too so I read that person's mind, turns out healers are just really needed in society and they would try their best to recruit you, willingly of course.
'Alright should I head over now then?'
It's better if you do yes, I am still here for now.
Michael was slightly puzzled 'For now?'
Yes haha, this body's family is coming to pick me up, we will not see each other frequently after that, but do remember, I pay back my debts.
Michael knew something like this was going to happen. Zane's family was rich to the point where they had a say in politics, so it's no surprise they could travel to another continent freely.
He turned to Alfred who looked slightly confused because of the sudden silence "I will be going up to the city, be back before nightfall."
Alfred was a little shocked as his eyes widened "Are you leaving us?"
"No, I am going to go on a stroll, don't worry, I plan on staying here for a bit longer."
Michael was indeed planning to stay here, and for quite a while at that. His EXP gain in the slums was insane.
Every day people come with all sorts of complaints and Michael uses his heal or purify on them, then right after casts his shield, just for the extra measure.
Though for a city of 20000, only 5-6 people come daily, it's a bit sad but still, his daily EXP gain comes out to an average of 1000 per day, when all he has to do is treat them in a minute.
Because of that, he was now at level 23, sadly out of all his skills, Shield hadn't gained a single bit of EXP yet.
Michael headed out of the city, going up the stairs and back the way he got here from.
The light of the sun was blinding, he felt like some sort of rat that came out of hiding, well that was what he did.
The moment he stepped foot onto the city sidewalk, sirens resounded from behind him, a police car driving right towards him.
'Did he sell me out or something?' Michael couldn't help but think.
However that was not the case, as a police officer got out of the vehicle and walked up to Michael, greeting him politely and showing him to police car.
He followed along and got into the back, it didn't seem like he was being detained, more like escorted.
After a few minutes of quiet driving he finally arrived at the police station and he saw Meph outside, waiting with a smirk.
"Meph, what are you doing?" Michael couldn't help but ask cautiously.
"Nothing..come let's go inside"
Michael followed along and saw something strange, Meph was telling police officers what to do, seemingly giving out orders as if he was some sort of boss.
'So something did happen' He thought.
They arrived in front of an office, it was a commanding officer, and the moment he saw us, he instantly stood up and greeted Meph.
"Nothing you said?" Michael asked Meph in a blatantly suspicious voice.
"Ehh it's nothing much, my family just made a kind donation is all" he let out a tiny chuckle.
Michael rolled his eyes and proceeded to talk with the commanding officer, it seemed because of Meph's influence, he could make his ID straight away.
No one asked any questions, Michael received some sort of card and was told to put a drop of his own blood on it, and the moment he did, a few rows of sentences appeared.
-----
Awakened Identification Document
Name: Michael
Age: 9 years old
Class: Healer
Level 23
Affiliation: City of Vivum
-----
The commanding officer's eyes widened, it's not every day he saw a 9 year old who was level 23.
"Young man, would you be interested in joining the police force as a stand by healer?" The man couldn't help but ask.
Michael thought for a moment, considering it a bit "Sorry, due to where I am currently living, being on stand by is impossible."
"The slums right? If you join us we could provide you with housing and all other stuff you might need, we would even cover the entrance cost for the academy if you wished to go." The officer tried bargaining with Michael. The terms were not bad by any means.
'Entrance cost?' Michael's brows twitched upon hearing that. He was not aware of any entrance cost.
"That sounds amazing, however I can't leave the slums alone, there are no healers there besides me, if I leave all of the citizens there will all die." Michael explained.
"So if we can find a replacement in your stead, would you join us?"
"..I would consider it, however for now I plan on staying in the slums for another year at least, no exceptions."
Michael didn't want to leave the slums on a bad note, if he could help them before leaving, then that's what he'll do.
The commanding officer nodded, still maintaining his professional disposition "I see, then I wish to hear from you in a year."
As Michael stood up to leave he was called once again.
"I almost forgot, if you want to update the information on your ID card, pour another drop of your blood on it"
With those words Michael left the police station, walking side by side with Meph to the inner parts of the city.
"So you are leaving huh?"
"Awh..are you sad that I'm leaving? That's how it is though, we will meet again some day." Meph replied in a teasing manner.
Michael rolled his eyes "Have the others woken up yet?" He was referring to Eric and Joanna.
However Meph just slightly shook his head "No sign of that happening any time soon, though I was asked to bring them along back to the other continent, apparently they are quite important."
Michael was not surprised, they too were invited to hunt, that meant they were as important as Zane.
All of a sudden a bunch of luxurious floating cars arrived and some butlers stepped out of them, followed by a woman with dark brown hair and blue eyes.
Michael saw Meph's smile twitch a little and he started walking towards the woman.
"Hello..Mother."
Her smile widened and she hugged him, while Meph hugged her back.
Michael could see a little bit of a sour expression forming on his face, though no one else seemed to notice.
"Zane do you know how worried I was!? You and your brother just up and disappeared!" She started complaining to him in motherly fashion. Though a bit of redness was visible around her eyes.
"Mother, Paul is dead" Upon hearing those words, she instantly broke down into tears, it seemed she already had a hunch that's what might have happened.
Michael nodded at Meph and started walking back to the slums. He didn't want to hear this depressing family reunion stuff any longer, there will be a time when he would see Meph again.
Clenching his fists Michael showed determination, to get stronger, to explore this uncharted world further.
He used to be a simple mercenary, but now he is a fantasy healer, curing all diseases and illnesses. It was quite comical, however he had to change.
He had to grow stronger, if this world is as bizarre as he imagines, then if he lags behind, he could be killed at any moment.
'You said I needed to understand my role as a healer correct?'
Yes? Just heal others and stay ba-what are you thinking?
The system seemed a little shocked upon seeing Michael's idea.
'Is it that strange, I mean, I was a proficient shooter back in my world, it was good enough to even generate a skill here, added to the fact that I used to be a sniper, what is the problem?'
You, a healer, planning on using guns in conjunction with your healing? Have the slums rotted your brain?
Michael flashed a small smile 'Again, what is wrong with that?'
How is that going to work with your stat composition? Someone who uses guns must be fast, with your agility you are just above average for your level.
Michael nodded 'And you said all I had to do was run to improve it.'
Fine..your INT is high enough for now, until level 30 I will put all the stat points you get into AGI.
'Glad we are on the same page' Michael couldn't help but let out a wide smile, already climbing down the stairs that led to the slums.
The citizens were surprised to see him, most didn't expect him to come back.
Michael walked through the streets and back into his church.
It was completely empty, with only the statue of Gabriel and his comfortable chair in sight.
'3 years.. just 3 more years until the academy.'