Outside the academy

The weekdays went by in a blur of lectures, assignments, and coding. Zero's disciplined routine left little room for distraction. His work for MAETS consumed most of his free hours, but he never complained. All Zero did for his free time mostly, coding and finishing up the contract for the company.

Zero's friend always invites Zero to hang out, but Zero always declines because he is always busy. But, in the end, it pays off, because the Code draft and the company contracts are all finished.

On a serene Saturday morning, Zero stirred in his bed, the soft embrace of sunlight filtering through his curtains inviting him to embrace the day. With a languid stretch that seemed to chase away the remnants of slumber, he reached for his phone resting on the bedside table. The gentle glow of the screen revealed the hour, an early 7 AM, and it set the tone for what promised to be a productive day.

Easing out from under the covers, Zero made his way to the bathroom. The cascade of warm water greeted him, a soothing sensation that washed away any lingering traces of drowsiness. As the steam enveloped him, his senses were enlivened, and he relished in the rejuvenation it offered.

Dressed in his chosen attire, a comfortable yet presentable ensemble of a well-fitted shirt and formal pants, Zero turned his attention to his next ritual the morning coffee. The enticing aroma of freshly brewed coffee beans began to fill the room as he prepared his favorite brew. The familiar sound of the percolating liquid was like a musical prelude to the day ahead.

Cradling the steaming mug in his hands, Zero took a moment to appreciate the rich aroma that enveloped him. The earthy notes and the promise of caffeine brought about a sense of comfort and readiness, a reassurance that he was prepared to face whatever challenges the day might bring.

With his coffee in hand, Zero's gaze swept across his room, taking in the little details that made it uniquely his own. The sunlight danced upon the walls, casting intricate patterns of light and shadow that seemed to breathe life into the space. The mementos and items scattered across his desk told stories of his interests, his pursuits, and the journey that had led him to this point.

As he settled into a chair near the window, the soft morning light filtering through the glass seemed to bathe everything in a gentle glow. The simple act of sipping his coffee felt almost meditative, a moment of solitude amidst the quiet hum of the world beyond his window.

With each sip, Zero's mind began to awaken, thoughts aligning themselves with the day's tasks and goals. The scent of coffee mingled with the anticipation of the hours ahead, a potent blend that invigorated his spirit. Plans for his coding project, the upcoming electives classes, and the prospect of pursuing his dreams wove together in a tapestry of possibility.

And so, Zero's morning continued a symphony of sensations, routines, and the gentle embrace of the hours unfolding ahead.

He made his way through the tranquil corridors of the academy, heading straight to the office of Professor Emily Bernett. Known for her strict adherence to the rules but also her understanding nature, Emily was the homeroom teacher Zero respected immensely.

Her office was a mix of academia and personal touch - bookshelves lined with volumes of every subject imaginable, photographs of past batches of students, and a beautiful plant perched by the window. The plant, with its deep green leaves, seemed to thrive under Emily's care, much like her students.

As Zero entered, the soft creak of the door caught her attention. Her gaze, magnified slightly by her glasses, lifted from the stack of papers before her. She peered over the rims, the corners of her lips curling in a warm welcome. "Zero," she acknowledged, her voice a mix of surprise and curiosity, "this is unusual. What brings you here on a weekend?"

Zero's determination radiated as he took a step forward, a sense of purpose in his stance. "Professor Emily, I hope this visit finds you well. I have a request that I would like to discuss with you."

Emily leaned back in her chair, her demeanor attentive. "I'm listening, Zero. What's on your mind?"

With a respectful nod, Zero began to explain his intentions. He painted a vivid picture of his desire to step beyond the academy's boundaries and venture into the outside world. His words flowed with a blend of enthusiasm and a clear sense of purpose, outlining his wish to visit his family and reconnect with the life he had temporarily left behind.

Emily listened, her expression thoughtful. When Zero concluded, there was a brief pause as she considered his request. "Leaving the academy grounds during the weekend is not a common occurrence, Zero," she stated, her tone measured. "It's important to maintain a balance between our academic pursuits and our personal lives."

Zero's gaze met hers, earnestness evident in his eyes. "I understand. It's a chance for me to reconnect with my family."

Emily's fingers tapped lightly against the desk, a sign of her contemplation. "The academy's rules and structure are designed to provide a focused and disciplined environment," she explained. "However, there can be exceptions in special circumstances."

Zero's gratitude was palpable. "Thank you for considering my request, Professor."

A small smile curved Emily's lips. "Very well, Zero. I'm willing to grant you permission. You must fill out the necessary paperwork, ensuring that you'll adhere to our guidelines during your absence."

Zero nodded in agreement, his appreciation clear. "yes professor."

With a gracious gesture, Emily reached for the paperwork on her desk. As she handed it to Zero, their eyes met in understanding. "Remember, Zero, education extends beyond the classroom. Embrace this opportunity with an open heart and a keen mind."

As Zero accepted the paperwork. he made his exit from Emily's office. As zero was heading to the Academy gate, a screen came out in front of Zero's face.

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QUEST PENDING:

Target: [net worth more than a billion won]

Reward: 1000 zen, +4 free attribute points, System balance.

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QUEST PENDING:

Target: [Make a famous company]

Reward: 200 zen, +1 Intelligence

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QUEST PENDING:

Target: [Find information about Adrian Asher]

Reward: 1000 zen, +5 free attribute points

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'Perfect' in Zero's mind looking at the quest, 'the timing is impeccable, wait what is this.' Zero's thought focused on System balance.

he tried clicking it and found out that system balance is a system to store allowance, whether it is gold, Zen, Won, Dollars, or anything. it also specifies that you can convert these choices.

"Does that mean I can use real money to buy Zen?" Zero murmured.

"This will also be perfect for storing huge amounts of money to avoid taxes and suspicion. After all, it would be weird, a 12-year-old starting a company and making billions" he continued.

Summoning a taxi, Zero leaned forward to provide the driver with a specific address. As the vehicle embarked on its journey, he found himself immersed in a visual tapestry that evolved with every passing minute. The urban landscape slowly melded into a more tranquil suburban setting, the honking horns gradually giving way to the mellower sounds of rustling leaves and distant birdsong.

For thirty minutes, the taxi navigated through the labyrinth of streets, each turn revealing a different facet of the city's character. Towering skyscrapers and bustling markets morphed into quaint neighborhoods with charming houses and neatly manicured lawns. The ever-changing scenery outside seemed to mirror the anticipation that simmered within Zero's chest.

Finally, the taxi came to a halt in front of a house that stood in stark contrast to the surroundings. It was a one-story structure that bore the marks of both time and neglect. The fading paint on the exterior walls exposed the weathered concrete beneath, a testament to years of exposure to the elements. Overgrown grass and unruly weeds dominated the small yard, their unchecked growth hinting at a lack of care.

Beside the house, an ancient oak tree stretched its branches toward the sky, casting intriguing shadows that danced upon the windows. The branches brushed against the glass in a manner that almost seemed like an intentional attempt to communicate with the occupants within. The front porch boasted a swing that had seen better days, its rusty chains and creaky movements imbuing the area with an almost ghostly ambiance.

A single lightbulb hung above the entrance, its feeble glow barely illuminating the worn-out number plate that displayed the house's address. The sporadic flickering of the lightbulb created a rhythmic dance of shadows, further adding to the aura of mystery that enveloped the place.

As the taxi's engine emitted a gentle hum, Zero's eyes remained fixed on the enigmatic house before him. An unsettling amalgamation of emotions swirled within him - a blend of disgust and curiosity. Memories of this place were tightly woven with the threads of his past, a past that now seemed incongruous with the sight before him. 'How can one of the richest people on the planet Earth live in a place like this?' Zero pondered, the stark contrast to his memories from a previous life vividly apparent. In that life, Tom had been surrounded by luxury, flaunting famous brands, cruising in extravagant cars, and residing in a penthouse that oozed opulence.