Novel 1-The cruel, dark world

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/HUG!!/

"Congratulations, son! You're now an Official Card User!"

"Thank you, father."

Back home, within a very large living room, Rulio stood near a table full of boxes laced with golden threads, gifts of all shapes and sizes…

On his left, his father tapped his shoulder with a proud smile. On his right, his mother hugged him with a smile.

"My son's now a little man! Now you can finally handle cards like you always wanted."

"It's not that big of a deal…"

"Don't be humble, you've worked hard for it, and you've been rewarded; it's all that matters."

His father then pointed at the table, saying:

"Here, these are gifts from some family members and us as well, I think some of your friends also sent some things to you."

"Honestly, more is coming, but I thought you would commemorate with your friends instead of being home. What's all the hurry for?"

"Well… I feel a little overwhelmed, I needed some time to cool my head off."

"Oh, I understand, it can be hard… In that case, we'll leave you to the gift, I'm sure you have much to think about."

His mother nodded, saying:

"But before we go, there's something we've been willing to ask."

"Say it."

"We heard of your profile, that you awakened three Talents, but we didn't hear what the third one was…"

"Oh, that? It's nothing special…"

"It is, son. We need to know so we can buy you some Cards. You know, training starts as soon as you become fifteen." His father said as he shook his head

"You chose to push back your Awakening for the sake of doing it with your friends and school, so you're a few months behind those that Awakened during their birthdays, you need to start training and getting used to your cards if you wish to compete with them."

"There's also the matter of increasing your Ether gauge and Grade, we know you have a great gauge, but your Grade remains that of a Basic Card User if you have any." His mother added after his father finished talking

"Some have already become Intermediate Users, and you don't want to fall behind, do you?"

"I uh…"

"Stop putting pressure on the kid. He'll do fine regardless. But your mother is right; we must know your plans to help you."

"..."

'As long as you become 15, you can awaken at any hospital or institution within the Nation, but I chose to awaken during the Academy ceremony for the sake of… Well, the pressure from everyone around me.'

'There are rewards from awakening in the Academy, and I'm sure it'll do extremely good for my portfolio once I grow up, but for now, it's only a prospect.'

'The Academy should still be thinking about what to give me as well…'

'My parents sure talk a lot… Expecting a 15-year-old child to have plans for the future… But it's me they're talking to, it's what they expect out of me.'

'And obviously, I already have multiple plans until I become 20 and qualify for the second awakening.'

There are three awakenings one can undergo throughout their life.

The first one is when they're 15, the second is when they're 20, and the third is when they're 24.

'Once you reach 24, your body stops developing, which means that depending on your Grade, you may be unable to improve past a certain point and be stuck there forever. That's why speed is key here, as I have about ten or so years before my body stops developing and reaches its growth limit.'

'Of course, there are exceptions. You can't generalize body growth, after all.'

'What is a Grade? It refers to the strength and quality of the Ether someone has cultivated over the years.'

'Starting from Basic, there are Intermediate, Advanced, Expert, Master, and Grandmaster. There are levels beyond, but they're legendary.'

'My parents are Experts who can grow to become Masters, and they're close to that too.'

'As for Cards, they go from Common to Basic, then Intermediate, Advanced, Expert, and so on, following after the Card User Grades.'

'Multiple Awakenings do not mean someone will awaken extra Talents, but if you work hard, you may be able to awaken extra talents and develop yourself further, but most of the time, you don't awaken anything, you merely strengthen your foundation.'

'Ether Grade is important because higher Level Cards have excruciatingly high Ether costs, and not just that, the Ether needs to be pure and strong as well.'

'I was born with a high Ether guage and trained it over the years as well, so I have a lot of it to use Basic Cards, but I would struggle to use Intermediate or even Advanced Cards, although the fact I can even use them is already incredible.'

'To raise my Rank as a Card User, I must raise my Ether Grade and have the necessary Gauge as well, that takes time and training, which is why my parents are pushing me already.'

'Most children my age would likely take a month off as a vacation to settle on what they'll do and how they'll train, to gather Cards and begin their training… But my parents know I won't do that and are trying to help me.'

'But things are happening a little too fast, these extra Talents have messed up my plans a little and now I need to think.'

"For now, I'll move with Dav somewhere." Rulio replied as he touched the back of his head

"Dav? Where are you going?" His mother asked gently

Dav was Rulio's personal guard trained to be by his side from a young age.

He's been with Rulio ever since he was 20 when Rulio was but 3 years old, he's current 32 now and an Expert Card User like Rulio's parents. Although more of a beginner one when compared to them.

"For a few years I've been tracking a few things… It's now time for me to get them." Rulio replied with a smile as he tried to be evasive

"Once I get them, I'll tell you two my plans, but the usual Cards I told you two about should still be on the table."

For years Rulio built several Card Decks for his use with the help of the internet, although he had only a few in his possession, his parents would be more then happy to get them for him if he asked.

"Do you need anything for that? Are you planning to go too far?"

"No no… I'll be visiting a few cities within the state to get those things, but I won't go anywhere far…"

"You're leaving the city?"

"... Not for long…"

"... Sigh, alright. I'll schedule myself accordingly, but send me your route; I don't want to send you alone out there." His mother said with some concern as she ruffled his hair

"That much is possible, I won't be gone for long. I promise."

/Smile…/

"Since you have everything figured out, we'll leave you be for now, if you need anything, call us alright?" His father said as he walked around the table

"We need to take some pictures later on as well, I've called a professional so you better be presentable. Take a shower when you're done here." His mother added as she went after him

"Yes…"

/Clack!/

They left the living room, leaving him alone with the pile of gifts.

"Phew… I did it."

'Although I wanted to get that over with as soon as possible… It seems there's no escaping this much.'

'I'll commemorate with them a little.'

Although Rulio loved his parents and the life they had given him, it was often hard to forget where he had come from.

He wasn't 15, there's no way he could thoroughly enjoy spending time with a bunch of teenagers, especially when many of them were so entitled and often… As he would say, self-destructive.

Although he felt no older then he was when he reincarnated, Rulio… Or Jonathan, was technically around 40 years old now.

Playing around with other 15-year-olds felt… Extremely off.

Maybe the Gods above felt it was a stupid thing for him to say, given everyone here likely had multiple lifetimes behind them… But it was merely what Rulio felt, nothing else.

He would live this life the way he was supposed to, but don't expect him to find a girlfriend or anything of the sort anytime soon.

/Knock…/

"Father? You're back?"

"Excuse me, young master Fei." 

/Creak…/

From another entrance to the Living room, a man entered the room with deep and resolute steps.

"Dav! Where were you?"

Dav was a young gentlemen in his early 30s, he was tall and muscular, having tanned skin and sharp eyebrows.

He wore sunglasses on his face, and his hair was tidy. A small metal box strapped to his waist indicated his job as a bodyguard.

The emblem on his chest represented the family and his Grade so that any troublemakers wouldn't dare try to play around with him.

Dav wasn't incredibly handsome, but he wasn't ugly either.

"Apologies, young Master, I was waiting for you outside of the Academy, but I received a call from your father telling me you would be making your way home with your friends, so I left alone."

"T-That…"

'Of course. It must've been Lin, she knows me best and definitely knew I was planning to run away on my own…'

'Because of that, I was dragged around until I managed to get the subway back home. Well… At least I ate my fill before leaving.'

"It's okay Dav, it was probably one of my friends… Anyhow, you're here…"

"First, congratulations on your awakening. I heard it was a triple talent."

"Yeah…"

"You don't seem excited."

"On the contrary, the problem's not that. It's the nature of my Talent… But we can leave that for later. Did you do what I asked you to?"

"Yes, everything's already in order. I've booked a flight to Searma City tomorrow at 7 Am."

Searma was a nearby city next to the shore. It was around 10 hours by car or a little less than two by plane.

For most areas, the technology of this world wasn't that far from modern Earth's, although a few were considerably more advanced.

And that's not taking into account Ether and their developments with it.

"Excellent. We shouldn't take too long but don't book a flight back yet."

"But of course. I can always request permission for your private jet to land."

"That… It is a bit much. We aren't that much in a hurry."

"Understood."

"Now then, let's get this mess sorted. I have a party to attend tonight."

Rulio sat down at the edge of the table where he had a little space, and began opening his gifts one by one, taking notes of what each person sent and reading their congratulatory notes so he could thank them later.

He received many things… Cards of all Levels, including Advanced ones.

Special combat suits, materials, training items, equipment, books for him to read, and more.

"Huff… Next one is… Lin? That lass… She already knew I was going to awaken?..."

'They have far too much faith in me, man… No wonder all those young masters in martial art stories are entitled. I would've gotten arrogant if I didn't have my memories. With everyone praising me left and right like that.'

/Unwrap…/

"Oh?... Ha… It's a small picture… There's also an envelope… An invitation for the Tower? Wow… Now that's extravagant."

The Tower was a megastructure in the city's heart, where many highly fancy restaurants were located. Some serving excellent food prepared by some of the greatest chefs, many of whom were Card Masters.

It was expensive, and you couldn't get inside without an invitation. Although Rulio could easily get one, he had never bothered to go on his own or invite anyone before.

'I went there with my parents a few times, maybe going with a friend will be a nice change of pace… Alright, I'll go… Although it doesn't look like she considered me refusing.'

"Dav, add something to my schedule. Tower with Lin at 5 Pm."

"You have an appointment at the time… It's a monthly health exam."

"Can you push it for earlier?"

"I'll make a call later."

"Good, tell me the possible dates after…"

'Next… My grandmother?'

It was a small present with a black wrapping, nothing fancy.

When he opened it, he saw a small metallic box that could be strapped onto one's waist. It was minimalistic but exquisite and cool, and it possessed a few red lines across its shell.

"A Card Box?... No, it's not just any Box… It's a super fancy one."

'It can hold 200 Cards of up to Master Grade… Damn Grandma, that's too much…'

"I'll give her a call later… Next… Grandfather."

It was a very small box with a single item inside, a Platinum Card.

"A Card!... Wait, it's a consumable one…"

Consumable Cards were often made to be used once and were widespread in the market. Some examples include the Extinguishing Card for fires and the Cushion Card for traffic accidents.

Consumable Cards' main strength is that the common folk can use them. They already come with Ether infused into them, removing the need for Card Users to activate them.

{Guiding Star +30 /Expert/ 

 Type: Minion

 Activation Cost: 0

 Effect: Manifest a tiny fairy to guide you to safety and protect you.

 Duration: Until HP runs out.

 Augmentation 1 -> Fairy's overall Stats +50%

}

"Hm… Grandfather sure is grim, giving me such a thing…"

'It's as if he expects me to get in danger. Come on…'

'Anyhow, it's a pretty strong Card. Must've cost a little to create.'

'How do I thank him though? Last time I ever saw him… Sigh, big Clans are a pain in the ass…'

"Next… Oh, this is from my father's side of things…"

It took a few more hours to go over through everything, but just as the clock ticked, Rulio finished going though his presents.

He had just enough time to take a shower and put on some clothes with the help of the Maids in the Manor, once he was done, Dav drove him to a massive skyscraper.

Today's party would be at the very last floor.

…

"... Once you're ready to leave, call me, young master."

"Thank you Dav, nothing should be happening for now, so you can relax a little if you want. See you later."

/Turn…/

Rulio turned back, raising his head to look at the skyscraper.

Before him, a red carpet floor led inside the apartment complex, with two guards standing on each side of the entrance.

'Being rich is something else, alright… I both love and hate these, but I would much rather be filthy rich… Then just filthy.'

Before stepping forward, he checked his clothes one last time to make sure he was "trending" in most aspects.

Rulio had his own fashion, however, he had to adorn to some expectations from people his age, as always, unfortunately.

He was wearing a white shirt with a beige jacket, his hair was stylized backward and held back by a holographic pin.

For his glasses, he instead used contact lenses not to break the 'flow' of his face, or so his maids said.

He had an expensive but minimalistic wristwatch on his left arm, and all of his clothes had expensive logos on them.

It was essential to say Rulio rarely bought his clothes. His mother was usually in charge of that. Otherwise, Rulio would've embarrassed himself by now with his mentality, even with all the indoctrination he went through.

'Okay, one last thing before I get in…'

Rulio slowly went from his relaxed/noncaring expression to a more severe and authoritarian attitude.

His gaze sharpened as he changed his walking style, which he had mastered over years of practice… How to actually be a Young Master.

Merely being handsome and talented was far from it. He needed a sure "Aura" to make everyone know who the Boss was.

Like a Villain being introduced in a Manga, it had to be evident he was the top dog. Otherwise, it would be problematic for everyone, and this wasn't an exaggeration.

It would indeed be a problem…

/Step…/

As soon as he stepped within the red carpet, the guard on the right turned to face him:

"Are you here for the party?" 

"Yes, here's my invitation." Rulio replied as he shook his wristwatch, making a holographic image pop up in the air

"... You've been verified, the elevator's on the second right. Have a nice night."

"Thanks."

Rullio made his way inside, soon finding the elevator and waiting for it to arrive.

'It seems someone just arrived…'

"Rulio?" A voice came from behind him

"Hm?... Oh. It's you Guan. Why are you still down here?"

Guan was a young man with short black hair, he had clear asian features that made him look gentle.

"Well… I've been gathering courage to get up there, you know… It's no my usual cup of tea."

"Right, let's go together then, I also need some support."

"Hah, as if. But thanks. I mean it."

Rulio looked at Guan, proud of how much the boy had grown.

When they first met Guan was being bullied by some of the other richer students in the Academy for his background.

Guan was a poor boy who was accepted into the Academy through sponsorships and the like. Because of that, whenever he was bullied, he always feared retaliating out of fear of the repercussions of offending the rich snobs.

Rulio was never a fan of that, but he also knew that helping others wouldn't change anything, so he made a proposition for Guan.

He would give him a chance to rise, grow, and reach his true potential… And here they are now.

In this world where Talents and background were everything, even if you possessed the will to improve, if you got in someone's way, without the proper power, your destiny was to but to be trampled.

Rulio hated that about this world, but Earth wasn't very different, things here are just more apparent, the differences between those on top and those at the bottom.

So he did what he could to enforce his own ideals.

*You're weak, spineless, and without anyone to hold your back. You deserve to be bullied, for you cannot defend yourself.*

*If you cannot accept this fact… You're better off giving up on this Academy. There are no sheep here, only wolves.*

*So I'll give you a chance, I'll be the one holding your back, show them what you can do and become a wolf too.*

*If you want to be kind and gentle, to change this world's views, then you need the strength to support for the weakness of all around you, and the wisdom to push them towards the path of strength too.*

*What do you say? Are you going to remain a sheep, or will you try to be a wolf?*

At that time, a year ago, Rulio was already a strong student in the Academy even among graduates.

In the Academy, you graduate at 15. Once you awaken, you can go to a specialized institution to grow as a card user, but Rulio had no such intention.

There was no one to oppose him, yet he kept trying to push others to improve. This trait of his, coupled with the number of students improving, pressured everyone else to grow as well, and over time, it became a wave that affected all corners of their year, all 600 students.

After much blood and sweat, Guan awakened an S-Rank Talent and was invited to this party. Although he had changed massively since then, there was still much left for him to shed before Guan could genuinely mature as an S-Rank Talent holder.

"You just missed Huang and Losh. I imagine this elevator is them getting up there."

"... Are we that late?"

Huang and Lose were two troublemakers who always arrived late to class, so it stuck that they were always the last few to arrive anywhere.

"Hahaha! I'm afraid so! But I'm surprised, I thought you would arrive an hour ago."

"And for what? Between you and me, I'm tired of these. I would much rather train to become an Intermediate Card User."

"Right, that's exactly what you'd do. That's why you're the top of Class."

"Not you too, those guys up there stroke my ego enough…"

"Ha! Even you has this kind of side… But hey… Are you ready for today?"

"How so?"

"This party… I heard it was in the making for months. That some rich students from Ironscale got together to make this possible."

"There are rumors they've essentially invited all Shalri Rank Talent Awakeners this year or something, it's going to be nuts, everyone up there is the son of some magnate or billionaire."

"That's probably true, it's going to be quite the mess."

[DIN]

The elevator arrived and they both entered, continuing their conversation as they made their way to the topmost floor.

"You think there'll be some conflict?"

"Some conflict? It would be great if things ended with just that. Keep your eye peeled Guan, else you may end up being thrown off the building's edge."

"Damn! That's a bit much, isn't?..."

"Guan… You're entering a party of entitled and spoiled brats who just awakened supernatural powers, there will be alcohol, and probably drugs and other strange substances, stay close to the doors in case you need to make a run for it, but be sure not to get their attention, else it's going to be hard to protect you."

"...Right… But aren't you one of these kids too?"

"... Do I look like I have the time to waste with these pleasantries? We aim for the top, you and I, parties are part of life, its what makes it colorful. But we have better things to do than lose ourselves in this life's luxuries."

"Yeah, always get your sight on the finish line, that's what you need to be first place." Guan said with a smile as he tapped Rulio's shoulders

"Anyhow… Do you think I look alright?"

"Why the question?"

"Ah man… I didn't have the bucks to buy those fancy shit, had to go with some of father's clothes and made due by buying a new fancy pair of shoes."

/Chuckle…/

"You're laughing? I'm struggling here!"

"Guan, no one will see your damn shoes in the middle of the night in a crowdy party while being half drunk, dammit!"

"... That's what my father said…"

"Look, if you're so worried about this, you don't need to come, a party like this for those rich kids to feel good and network."

"Why're you here then?"

"That's a mystery I've been trying to answer for the past hour, but if I were to try and make sense of things, then it's because of my Reputation. If I don't come, rumors will spread, and I'm willing to risk whatever's up there to stop people from being stupid with my name."

"This… More complicated than I imagined. I thought you were here for your girlfriend."

"My girlfriend?"

"Lin? She isn't your girlfriend?"

"She isn't, where did you hear that from?"

"Erm… Everyone?"

"... Damn…"

"Okay, I heard it mostly from Lin's friends, but everyone else seems to have the same idea as me, they're the ones who preach about it, though."

"Sigh, those girls…"

'They've been like that for a few months already, can't they just keep to themselves for once! I'm not any 14-year-old's boyfriend!'

But just as quickly as Rulio's sighed, he recovered, looking at the counter on the elevator.

"We're almost there… Here, take this." Rulio said as he gave Guan a pair of sunglasses 

"That was fast, I thought you would think about it more…"

"That's between me and then to solve, thinking about it now won't change anything. Now, put those on and get serious."

"What? Why would I put on sunglasses in the middle of the night?"

"It's the fashion trend recently. Those are expensive glasses, Laporb. If anyone asks, say it's Kuatront's design."

"Wh… Who's even Kuatront?!"

/Din/

"We're here, so focus! From now on, you aren't Guan. Keep yourself focused and your mouth shut. If you can't think about something that makes you angry."

"And above all, don't leave my back."

"O-Okay?..."

"Once we get somewhere safe, I'll signal you to move away, find a safe spot, and enjoy the party from there."

/Open…/

"You talk as if we're getting on a battlefield…"

"Because we are."

/Shine!/

/Flash flash flash flash!!/

A dozen lights flashed into their eyes as soon as the doors opened, almost blinding Guan instantly. 

/Step…/

Unfazed, Rulio stepped out of the elevator, and Guan followed suit soon after, trying his best to keep his expression in place as a dozen flashes blasted him.

Finally, they all stopped, revealing a full crew standing before the elevator.

They were currently on a long corridor leading to a large room, there was high quality wood everywhere being illuminated by weak and warm lights, the overall feeling it gave him was that it was a cozy and comfortable place.

"All photos will be available at the lounge after 11 P.m. Thank you for coming, and enjoy the party." One of the photographers said with a smile as they watched them approach 

"If you want to take more photos, you can go to the lounge at the end of the corridor."

"Thank you." Rulio replied with a nod as he walked past them

"..."

…

"What was all that?" Guan asked as he walked next to Rulio

"Hell, if I know… Probably photos to be posted on social media once the party's over."

"Things are a bit calmer then I expected, we'll have the chance to part ways once we're inside."

"So eager to leave me, huh?"

"I doing this for you asshole, unless you want to go with me deal with the swarm of egostrokers that'll flood me once we're there."

"Haa… Count me out; I'll just find a corner and relax."

"..."

The lounge was a vast room large enough for a party to be hosted inside.

To their left, an entire crew was set up with dozens of cameras and background props for those who wished to take photos in their expansive clothes, and on the right was a small bar serving non-alcoholic drinks.

According to the law, 15-year-olds cannot drink, so given so many cameras around, they likely left those hidden outside their field of view.

'It's a nice place, I can see a few familiar faces…'

/Step step step!/

"Rulio! You're finally here!" Someone exclaimed from the side

"Hm? Lin, you…"

"Let's take some pictures together! Hey! Guan, nice to see you here too, I thought you wouldn't be coming, let's take a few pictures together!"

"Nice Evening Lin, I like the hair." Guan said sincerely and deeply as he tried to keep his persona 

"Thank you!"

Lin was wearing a long purple dress full of aprons. It was cute and glamorous, especially because it twinkled as she moved.

Jovial but luxurious, as one may say…

Her long dark hair seemingly glowed today, revealing its many curves as it cascaded down her shoulder.

/Pull!/

Before Rulio even had the chance to compliment or talk about her looks, he was dragged to the photographers on the corner…

"... What's up Guan, looking fresh. Liked the cut. Sharp as ever."

"Muyu? I could say the same. Your hair's shining, dog."

/DAP!/

Two friends met while a shark dragged another…

…

"Lin, calm down, I'm not going anywhere."

"Say's the guy who left us hanging in the afternoon."

"You talk as if we had the time. Everyone left to prepare for the party."

"You could've stayed a little longer! Everyone got bummed out after you left."

"I needed some time to breathe alright, you guys dragged me everywhere before I even had the time to inspect my Profile."

"You can just say it if we're annoying you…" She said with some dissatisfaction as she looked away

"That's not it. Just because I excuse myself to wash my hands, it doesn't mean you guys are dirty."

"... Why do you always use these weird analogies?"

"Because I like it when people think." Rulio replied with a smile as he looked at Lin, head to toe

This act made her freeze but not hide…

"Lin… You're gorgeous. Incredible dress and hair."

"... Thank you. You're not so bad yourself… Your minimalistic style never changes."

"It's my mark by now. Can't go around looking like a damn clown."

"Come on FeiFei, wearing nice clothes isn't being a clown."

"You know what I'm talking about… And stop with that nickname, I thought we dropped that years ago."

"B-But FeiFei! The teacher will be angry at us if we move the boxes!" Lin said as she imitated her past self

"You still remember that? That was so long ago… I still hate how uptight Mr.Luo was with those darned boxes…"

"And so do you." She added with a chuckle as she covered her mouth

"... Next please!"

"Let's go!"

"Don't pull me…"

"Hi there! Lady and Gentlemen is it? How may I help you today?"

"A simple photo please, as a memory. No filters…" 

"Do you have different backgrounds?"

"..."

"Yes lady! We have dozens and other scenery effects from fake rain to snow and wind."

"Woah, can you choose something for us?"

"But of you course."

The cameraman crew moved their cameras a bit and pressed a few buttons, soon enough, the entire stage changed.

Fake lights immitade sunlight and behind them, the image of a beach appeared.

"O photo by the beach, it's a classic."

"Perfect~!"

"Then get in position please, we'll take the picture as soon as you're ready."

/Nod…/

Rulio put his hands behind his back as he straightened his back, but to his surprise, everyone just looked at him.

"Um… Gentlemen, how about you get a little closer to your girlfriend? Put your arm around her waist?"

"Wh…"

"T-T-That i-is a bit much!" Lin replied in an embarrassed tone as her face grew red

"Come on, it's just a photo. If we're going take a single one, then let's make this right at least once." Rulio said as he took a step closer to Lin

'Really now, do I look like her boyfriend or something?...'

"Wha…"

Rulio hugged her gently, getting in position as he looked at the camera.

"Perfect! Now we only need the lady to look at the camera as well and… Exactly! Now, just keep like that for a few seconds aaaand…"

"Smile!"

/FLASH!/

"Great. Where do we go to take the picture?" Rulio asked as he let go of Lin

"If you want a physical copy, you can go to that man over there with the printer, he'll give you a pristine copy, otherwise, you can give us a contant and we'll send you a digital copy as well!"

"Thanks, but can we take a few more? Maybe this time without any filters…"

"Of course! It is my pleasure to picture such a cute duo!"

"Heard that Lin, you're finally being cute for once."

"..."

"Lin?"

"Ah? Ah, yes… Jerk, or something…"

"..."

…

In the end, Rulio took a few more pictures with her before they were done, and by its end, Lin had recovered her demeanor somewhat, leading to a few more good pictures.

As they finished, Guan and a few others arrived, and they had a shootout session with dozens of photos.

Once they were finished, it was time to join the party, this time for real.

"... I feel like we're being watched." Guan said out loud as he followed Rulio and the others to the party hall

"We likely are, the news of Rulio's triple Shalri Talent has already reached the news after all. I heard there were only two such cases in the entire city so it's obvious everyone would be interested in him to some degree." Muyu said with a smirk as he tapped Guan's shoulder

"At the very least no one's causing trouble…" Rulio said as he ignored the gazes 

"As if that would happen!" Lin retorted as she scoffed 

/Stop…/

They stopped before a double door at the end of the lounge where two more guards stood by.

As soon as they arrived, they opened the doors, saying:

"All Cards and similar devices are to be left on the tray on the right, please cooperate."

As the guard said that, it was clear she was also talking about phones or cameras, which was odd but understandable, if images of these children drinking were to circulate in the web, there would be dire consequences.

"What? Who would even bring their Cards to a party? Much less other tools?!" Guan asked as he raised an eyebrow

"There are people who do that unfortunately." Muyu said as he shook his head

"Does my T.A.C count?" Rulio asked as he raised his wristwatch 

"Is your T.A.C classified as a Scut?" The guard asked as they pulled a small notepad from their chest pocket 

"Yes."

'A Scut stands for Supportive Card User Tool, it's a mark that all electronic and mechanical devices receive if they possess some degree of Ether technology centered around Card Users, and a T.A.C is a form of a multi-purpuse tool that can access the higher web and the Card System.'

'I always bring the T.A.C around, especially since its necessary for students in the Academy.'

"Then please leave it on the tray, you'll receive a keycard that will direct you to a respective locker on the room to your left once its time for you retrieve it."

"Anything else?"

"That's all."

"Erm… I do have a few Cards, but they're all Support types…" Lin said out loud as she pulled a small box from her waist

"You actually brought your cards with you?!"

"Stop it, my father told me to! Said that's its important and all that…"

"He's just being careful of his daughters safety." Muyu voiced on the side as he nodded to himself

"He's too cautious, what could even happen in this place? Right Rulio?"

"..."

Rulio's expression was cold, however…

"Rulio…?"

"It's okay, you may bring your Cards, none of them have been deemed dangerous to anyone's safety, but I'll have to record their presence here today if you don't mind." The guard said after careful examination 

 "That much is fine, I guess."

/Creak…/

/~Song~/

"Welcome to SkyGarden, may you have a pleasant night." The guards said as they gave everyone a nod

Behind the doors, a dark corridor went deeper down into the apartment.

Faint echoes of electronic music could be heard in the distance together with dim moving lights.

Two rows of comfy seats with a few people sitting on them extended all the way to the distance, with some people already sitting on them, likely waiting for their friends to arrive or maybe even just detox a little from the dancing and whatever was happening inside.

/Close!/

"Phew… It's cold in here…"

"Lin? Rulio? You guys are finally here!" Someone exclaimed from the side

As they stepped inside the SkyGarden, a group of teenagers quickly aproached them.

Their friends and companyons, together they delved into the main hall of the party, and from there, they soon found out how organized and pretty everything was.

Rulio expected alcohol and even other drungs to be around, but it wasn't like that.

All food was proper, there was very little alcohol, and the music was decent and cool.

There were multiple party and gaming eras for people to sit down, talk, and have fun.

There were pools where you could go swim if you wished and even simulation rooms for individuals to fight each other.

Everything he could imagine was here!

Even after walked around, Rulio felt nothing wrong so he relaxed, and without much drama, it was time to get this party started!

…

/Around two hours later…/

/Chatter…/

"..."

'Well… It was fun, but its time to go.'

'I met many interesting individuals, but they're all so vain and fake… I don't have time to build pleasantries with these people.'

'If I were just a Noble child with a promising future, suppressing some of my ethics and playing along their game would've been a matter of course.'

'But I'm aiming higher than that. It may be arrogant of me, but forming connections with such people benefit me in no way, on the contrary, it'll benefit them.'

Rulio had played, taken photos, and made sure to build a few memories of this day with his close friends and associates. With everything finished, it was time for him to leave and prepare for his trip.

That would be when his adventure would indeed start…

"Where's Lin? We were supposed to leave together."

Right now, Rulio was sitting by a counter drinking lemonade. He had just left a group of rich children belonging to another prestigious Academy after building a connection with them.

He needed a break every now and then.

/Walk…/

Because there were no phones here Rulio had to go after Lin on foot, asking a few friends here and there if they had found her before moving on.

"Hm?"

That was when he saw something strange.

/Chatter chatter…/

Rulio saw a girl pass out from drinking too much before being escorted by her friends outside the party hall.

"... What happened here?" He asked one of the people around

"Oh? That girl drank too much. We've been warning her but she just couldn't stop man." The guy he asked replied with a chuckle as he took a sip of his drink as well

"Shouldn't she be escorted to the lounge then? Why are her friends dragging her somewhere else?"

"Huh? They are probably going to the bathroom, right? Who cares anyway? It's all between girls, so let themselves settle it."

True, there were only girls around the unconscious one, so everything should be fine… Right?

"Do you know her?"

"Nah, met her a few times in the party, told her to stop drinking once, she told me to mind my business so here I am." The man said with a shrug as he looked away, uncaring

"..."

'He's too drunk and maybe too bitter to care, something's not right here.'

He didn't seem completely right in the head either, a little too drunk maybe. The right word would be… Happy.

Rulio felt something was off, so with a sharp gaze, he followed the girls to see where they were being moved.

…

Following the girls led Rulio to a maintanence corridor that led outside of the hall onto the ceiling of the apartment, here, he only saw machines and the usual.

But definitely not the bathroom.

'Something stinks here, I don't like it.'

It was at that moment a part of Rulio's mind exclaimed: This isn't my problem.

Right this was definitely not his problem, and above all, he could just leave before any problem arose… 

But could he leave his friends behind and risk having them fall prey to whatever was going on here?

He could warn them, but if he warned them and then left… Once news of whatever happened here spread, if they did, then wouldn't people just point their fingers at him and call him insensible?

Everything pointed out at the simplest solution… Just leave with Lin, maybe a few others, and forget this ever happened.

But at the same time, a portion of his mind exclaimed: You can't just leave, you are much better then this.

Rulio's future was one of greatness, growth, and domination. How could he call himself a future emperor if he coiled at a mere scheme at a teenager's party?

Life was much more than that, its dangers spread far and wide, and Rulio knew full well this was a setup for a series of issues a main character may be forced to partake.

And Rulio… Was no main character.

'What a mess… Still, I'm overreacting here.'

'I still have my cards and phone. Those security guards were too stupid to realize I brought my cardholder.'

'They were certainly strict; however, whatever means of probing they have, they cannot go through the High Grade of my Cardbox.'

'My Grandma sure gave me this gift at the right time. Always be prepared, and always expect the worst… This is how you survive in this shirty world.'

Rulio pulled his shirt up and tapped on his Cardbox, and immediately after, a dozen different decks manifested before him in the air.

With a swipe of his hand, Rulio opened one of the decks and pulled a Card:

The card had a simple design with a figure of a white marble surrounded by mist in the middle:

{Peeping Eye +5 /Basic/

 Type: Manifestation

 Activation Cost: 5

 Effect: Projects your vision and hearing through a floating Orb.

 Duration: Ten minutes + One minute per energy point invested into it.

 Augmentation: N/A

}

'This was a gift from a friend of mine, not from school, from somewhere else.'

'A friend I made as I trained in the Virtual Projection room, a 'competent' student with incredible battle sense… He's just a little… Stupid.'

What Rulio meant by that was that he was perveted. But deep down, he enjoyed a friend like that.

"... Manifest."

/Crush!/

He held the simple white Card in his hand, crushing it as he whispered something to himself.

/Gather…/

Immediately after, a small marble the size of his nail appeared before him from condensing mist, and he immediately a felt a strange feeling at the back of his mind.

By closing one eye and focusing on this sensation, Rulio linked his vision to the Orb. It wasn't 360 degree vision, it was still somewhat simple as his brain could only process so much, but he could move it anywhere if he wished.

'Next.'

He pulled another card in succession, and this time, the card shone in a strong light. It also possessed more significant details, being prettier to look at.

In the middle of the card the figure of an invisible cloak hiding a faceless person could be seen.

{Cloaking +20 /Intermediate/

 Type: Enchantment

 Activation Cost: 25

 Effect: Cloaks a target to their surroundings, making them essentially invisible by matching the background and bending light.

 Duration: Half an hour; moving or excessive action will reduce the timer faster.

 Augmentation 1 -> You may cloak one extra target 

}

Rulio was a careful man, so even though it was a little taxing, he summoned a Card of a higher grade than himself.

It wasn't efficient, but it wasn't difficult either.

'This was a gift from my Grandmother from my father's side of things. She and Grandfather got together to make a 'simple', Intermediate Grade deck for me.'

'Most Cards in their deck have been enhanced over 20 times, unlocking their first Augmentation. It's a pretty decent loadout.'

'Never thought I'd be using it so soon.'

Rulio and the marble immediately became invisible as they blended with their surroundings, and so, he began controlling the marble to float after the group of girls.

Because of how long he spent to set things up, around half a minute or so, the girls had already passed through another door, leaving him behind.

Having the marble open the door was stupid, so he had it enter through a vent, hoping to find an exit along the ducts.

And he did. Mission accomplished.

'I'm in, now… Where to?'

/Chatter/

'There's someone nearby.'

Rulio followed the whispers, and he soon met himself with a… Medical bay.

There, he saw a few male and female individuals on beds being cared for by other party attendees. Nothing strange, just friends amidst friends… Right?

'Hm… Was I wrong about all of this… No, somethings wrong still.'

'It makes sense for a medical center outside the party hall; it's easy to drag people here, and it's well equipped…'

'But there are no doctors. And I won't be convinced if they say they had no resources to contract a few doctors, given they hired a dozen professional photographers and Advanced Grade Bodyguards.'

Something smelled rotten here, so Rulio began recording everything.

Transmitting his vision to his cellphone through the Card system was simple, although it would have been simpler if he had his T.A.C. on his wrist.

Technology had long since been integrated with the Card Rule and System, so even a simple cellphone had some degree of access to it.

Of course, his model phone was quite expensive, not because he thought it was trendy, but because he needed something usefull… It was also trendy, so it complimented his image.

/Chatter…/

Finally, as he moved around the room, Rulio got close enough to hear the girls conversing:

Aside from them, the only people present were a few guys tending to a small group of drunk men grunting on the table.

"... Will she be okay? She looks rather rough…" One of the girls whispered to the other as they looked at their friend with worry

"She'll be fine… The problem here is what her parents will tell her. She'll probably get grounded for a few days, but it should be okay." Another replied with a shrug as she poured some water into a cup for her friend

/Open…/

"!"

'That is…'

"Girls… Thank you for bringing your friend here, I'll take care of the rest." 

The moment the girls were about to feed her friend some water, a doctor and a nurse entered the medical room, relieving the people inside.

"Doctor… What's wrong with our girl?"

"Well, first, let me take a look at her. But if I were to take a guess, she may be experiencing some light alcohol poisoning, although it's too fast for that, either."

"I'll take a look at her but she shouldn't be recovering anytime soon, you can remain if you want but I would recommend going back for now. Although do leave a method of contact so we may contact her parents once we diagnosed her properly."

"T-Thank you doctor…"

With a few more words, the girls left her friend on bed after exchanging few words with each other, closing the door quietly as to not disturb the other patients.

"... Phew… We have quite a few patients today…" The doctor said with some worry as he scratched his head

"Did you manage to call their parents?" He asked the nurse as he looked at the other children

"Yes, they should be on their way."

"Excelent, call a few of the guards and help them down to the first floor. I'll diagnose her in the meantime." He said as he pulled her bed outside of the room

"No problem doc."

/Open…/

"... Hm…"

'Everything looks… Completely fine.'

'A single doctor and nurse… A little small for a medical crew, but it doesn't look like they're overwhelmed.'

'Everyone in bed is being escorted down through an emergency elevator as their parents arrive and the most recent girl is now being diagnosed in the room… Nothing wrong here…'

'It seems I was overthinking… But still…'

'Being through wouldn't hurt. It would make me feel better once I'm home, regardless of how creepy I'm acting…'

'If it turns out nothing bad is happening… No one can know what I did here today. No one.'

Rulio shook his head before prompting the little marble to follow the doctor.

His grade didn't seem too high, so he didn't recognize the marble floating around him. Without much difficulty, they both entered the room at the end of the corridor.

…

.

.

.

Notes