Going Home

Maxim stood steadfastly in front of the bustling café, his gaze fixed intently on Polina. His eyes bore into her, as if searching for something hidden beneath the surface. However, while his outward appearance suggested a mere curiosity, his thoughts wove a different tale.

"Polina, Polina, Polina," he silently repeated in his mind, the words echoing like a mantra. "In my previous life, I had no knowledge of this intriguing woman. But when I overheard her mention being a rival to the illustrious Ecatarina, I knew there was more to her than met the eye. Just like Ecatarina, the way she moves, the way her body smells, and the way she exudes an aura, I'm sure that she must hail from an aristocratic lineage, with a powerful family to bolster her endeavors."

A smile of satisfaction tugged at the corners of Maxim's lips, his fingers absentmindedly stroking his chin. "Yes, indeed. As she is of the same age as Ecatarina, it is safe to assume that her coming of age is imminent. And when that time arrives, it will present me with a golden opportunity. You see, I may have initially planned to exploit this woman's connection to the Domain of Miracle MMORPG, using her to amass a wealth of Domain Coins. However, I am acutely aware that this could lead to something far greater."

He paused, his mind racing with possibilities. "Becoming her modern warrior, that is the key," he muttered to himself, his voice filled with determination. "In the ruins of an apocalyptic world, I stumbled upon a secret diary, its pages divulging the noble traditions of a bygone era. The coming of age for nobles like Polina entails a fierce competition, a battle to be chosen as her protector and champion."

A surge of excitement coursed through Maxim's veins as he envisioned his grand design. "Yes, by positioning myself as her warrior, I can ascend the ranks and ultimately seize the reins of power. From there, I will guide humanity away from the precipice of annihilation, leading them towards a brighter future."

With each word, his conviction grew stronger, his determination unwavering. Maxim knew that this plan was not without its risks, that it would require cunning and strategy. But he believed in his abilities, in the strength of his resolve.

And so, he continued to stand there, his eyes fixed upon Polina, plotting the intricate steps that would lead him towards his destiny. The world around him faded into the background as he delved deeper into his thoughts, envisioning a future where he would rise as a ruler, a savior for humanity in their darkest hour.

As Maxim's thoughts and plans swirled in his mind, his attention was abruptly diverted as Polina hesitantly interrupted him. "May I—May I—," she stammered, her curiosity evident. Initially, she had only wanted to inquire how Maxim had noticed the pattern with Ecatarina. However, now aware of his intention to pursue her romantically, Polina found herself torn. Conflicting emotions tugged at her, and she lowered her gaze for a moment before hastily rummaging through her small handbag. Finally, she discovered what she was searching for and handed it over to Maxim, who accepted it with a joyful smile.

Stepping back, Polina then bowed slightly. "Please send me a message tonight so I can contact you and verify your credentials or gather more information," she requested. However, just as the words left her lips, Polina froze, her body trembling with shyness. With great effort, she managed to turn away from Maxim and departed, leaving him puzzled by her sudden change in behavior. He watched her retreating figure and couldn't help but wonder, "Does this girl have feelings for me?"

Lost in his thoughts, Maxim absentmindedly signaled for a passing cab. As if summoned by his gesture, a car pulled up nearby. Maxim leaned towards the window, catching a glimpse of himself. "Am I truly that handsome?" he mused aloud, a playful chuckle escaping his lips. The cab driver, opening his window, inquired, "Where to, sir?" Maxim replied, "Fotogarcy city..." The driver's expression shifted, and he responded, "That's quite a distance." Unfazed, Maxim reassured the driver, "That won't be a problem." He knew he had converted an abundance of Domain Coins into credit earlier, granting him the means to cover the fare.

Observing Maxim's confident and earnest demeanor, the cab driver relented, signaling for him to enter. The door swung open, beckoning Maxim forward. However, before stepping inside, he turned to catch a glimpse of where Polina had disappeared to. Familiar with the attention of enamored women, Maxim couldn't help but entertain the idea of a future encounter with her. "I'll certainly savor our next meeting," he thought to himself, a mischievous smile etching across his face. With that tantalizing thought lingering in his mind, he finally climbed into the cab, ready to embark on his journey.

Maxim found himself standing in front of an apartment building, situated on a relatively quiet street. Not a bustling hub of activity, yet noticeably devoid of any signs of gang presence. Or perhaps Maxim simply hadn't encountered any nefarious groups in this particular area. "My foolish self must have been infatuated with Svetlana, my comrades," Maxim mused with a tinge of self-deprecation. He hadn't anticipated that his past self would venture to that café and spend a significant amount of money. Was his past self planning to walk all the way from there to here if Maxim hadn't managed to secure funds from the gaming café? It was a perplexing thought that left Maxim feeling disappointed, shaking his head in disbelief.

As he made his way towards the entrance of the apartment building, Maxim couldn't help but be overwhelmed by the realization that he would once again come face to face with his Aunt Elena. She was the only family he had ever known, the sole parental figure in his life. The whereabouts of his biological parents remained a mystery, shrouded in uncertainty. The memories of his aunt were etched vividly in Maxim's mind, her presence a constant source of comfort and stability amidst the tumultuous nature of his existence.

Ascending the stairs, Maxim reached the fourth floor with a sense of anticipation. Stepping into the dimly lit hallway, he inexplicably felt a strange and unsettling presence. A nagging feeling at the back of his mind prompted him to question, "Is there something amiss here?" Instinctively, he closed his eyes, seeking to heighten his senses and grasp the nature of this peculiar aura that enveloped the surroundings.

To his astonishment, Maxim felt an inexplicable surge of energy coursing through the air, a force that seemed to transcend the realm of the ordinary. It was as if enlightenment itself had descended upon this very place, casting an otherworldly glow upon his consciousness. The realization struck him like a bolt of lightning, causing Maxim to abruptly open his eyes in astonishment. "What is this? An enlightened force?" he exclaimed, his voice tinged with a mix of awe and trepidation.

Maxim kept walking down the dimly lit hall, his senses heightened. He was sure it was unmistakable aura of the Enlightened Ones, a group of superhumans with the extraordinary power to make any non-awakened beings forget their existence outside of their presence.

As he continued his journey, Maxim's mind flashed back to an earlier incident outside the Vovovich Carousel Cafe. He had unleashed a powerful kick upon the street, infused with the same enlightened force that now surrounded him. The impact had reverberated through the air, causing a ripple of energy that reached the minds of the unsuspecting passersby. It was the Enlightened force he used, he was also an enlightened one.

Now, as Maxim stood in the hallway, he could sense something, he would say, "the enlightened force was getting stronger,"its presence more palpable. It pulsed through the air, creating a charged atmosphere that crackled with anticipation. He knew he was nearing the domain of the Enlightened Ones, and the weight of their power pressed upon him like an invisible hand.

Maxim's heart raced as he considered the implications of this encounter. Finally, he reached the door of his aunt.