Chapter 7: New Beginnings

**Chapter 7: New Beginnings**

The doctor discharged Ravana after conducting further tests, but they had failed to restore his memories. Kai decided to take Ravana, now going by the name Asura, to his home. Edward resisted, worried about the potential risks of bringing a stranger with unknown capabilities and background into their home, but Kai did not listen.

Before they reached home, they stopped at a bustling marketplace to buy some clothes, a smart band, and other necessities for Asura. The marketplace was a marvel of technology and commerce, with vendors selling everything from advanced gadgets to traditional crafts. Neon lights illuminated the street, and holographic advertisements floated in the air, showcasing the latest products and deals. The air buzzed with chatter in multiple languages, the hum of drones delivering packages, and the occasional burst of laughter from children playing with robotic pets.

Asura was fascinated by everything he saw, his eyes wide with curiosity and awe. The diverse crowd, the advanced technology, and the vibrant culture were all new to him. Kai guided him through the marketplace, helping him select clothes that would blend in with the current fashion. They chose a mix of comfortable and stylish garments, including a sleek black jacket that Asura seemed particularly fond of.

While browsing the stalls, they came across a vendor selling smart bands. The vendor, an elderly man with a kind smile, explained the various features of the bands. "These smart bands can track your health, monitor your location, and even translate languages in real-time," he said, demonstrating the device's capabilities. Kai purchased one for Asura, knowing it would be useful for someone trying to navigate a new world.

As they continued shopping, Kai also picked up a neural stimulator, a device that could upload vast amounts of information directly into the brain. He knew Asura would need it to catch up on the history, culture, and technology of this era. Kai was aware of the potential dangers of overusing such a device, as it could cause severe headaches and mental strain, but he trusted Asura's judgment.

Once they had finished shopping, they headed back to the hover car, loaded with bags of new clothes and gadgets. Asura looked around the city with a mix of wonder and apprehension. "This world is so different from anything I remember," he said softly, mostly to himself.

Kai gave him a reassuring smile. "You'll get used to it. There's a lot to learn, but I'll help you."

When they arrived at the mansion, Kai led Asura through the opulent halls. The mansion was a blend of modern architecture and classical design, with high ceilings, marble floors, and elegant chandeliers. Asura couldn't help but marvel at the grandeur of the place.

As they entered the main hall, Kai's father, Authar, was waiting for them. Authar was a stern man with a commanding presence, his sharp eyes missing nothing. He was accompanied by Kai's brothers, all of whom looked at Asura with a mix of curiosity and suspicion.

"Kai, who is this man?" Authar asked, his voice firm.

Kai took a deep breath and lied smoothly. "Father, this is Asura. He was the one who helped me buy the mining site in exchange for that plant. He has been a great help, and I thought it would be good to have him stay with us for a while."

Authar's eyes narrowed as he scrutinized Asura. "Is that so? And what does he need in return for this help?"

"Nothing, Father," Kai replied. "He's just someone who was in the right place at the right time. I thought it would be good to show our gratitude by offering him a place to stay."

Authar seemed to consider this for a moment before nodding. "Very well. He can stay in the guest room. But Kai, you are responsible for him. Any trouble he causes will be on your head."

Kai nodded gratefully. "Thank you, Father."

Authar motioned for a servant to show Asura to his room. Asura followed the servant, but not before giving Kai a look of appreciation. The guest room was luxurious, with a large bed, a private bathroom, and a balcony overlooking the mansion's gardens. Asura set his bags down and looked around, feeling a mix of gratitude and unease.

Once he was alone, Asura asked Kai for more information about this world. Kai handed him the neural stimulator and warned him about the risk of extreme headaches if used excessively. "This device will help you learn quickly, but don't overdo it. It can be dangerous."

Asura nodded, determined to understand the world he found himself in. He ignored Kai's warning and used the neural stimulator extensively, absorbing information about the history, culture, and technology of this new era. The device was incredibly efficient, allowing him to learn in hours what would normally take months.

The next day, Kai needed to buy gifts for Thomas Lionheart's daughter's birthday party. The Lionheart family was one of the most influential families in Neon Sea City, and attending their events was a matter of social and political importance. Kai wanted to make a good impression, so he carefully selected the gifts, choosing items that were both thoughtful and impressive.

As the evening approached, Kai, his brother Nicholas, and Edward prepared to leave for the celebration. Asura, who had spent the day learning about the world through the neural stimulator, expressed a desire to join them. Edward was about to refuse, worried about the potential risks, but Kai, anticipating this, agreed and handed Asura an extra gift to present at the party.

"Are you sure this is a good idea?" Edward asked, his concern evident.

Kai nodded. "Yes. Asura needs to learn about our society, and this is a good opportunity for him to see how things work. Besides, having him with us will make it easier to keep an eye on him."

Edward reluctantly agreed, and they all left the mansion in their hover car, heading towards Neon Sea Palace. The palace was a magnificent structure, known for its grand architecture and opulent decor. It was often the venue for the city's most prestigious events, and tonight's party was no exception.

As they traveled, Kai couldn't help but glance at Asura, wondering what lay ahead. Asura, meanwhile, was determined to use this opportunity to learn more about this world and his place within it. The neural stimulator had given him a wealth of knowledge, but he knew that real understanding would come from experiencing the world firsthand.