1.24. Astral Space: Training

<Avner Cross>

"How was the exam?"

"It was good."

"I had no problems with mine."

Lia would have no problems. I don't doubt that.

We were having lunch at home and this became the topic of conversation.

"What grades are you expecting to get, Lia?" mother asked, slight anticipation in her tone.

"I think I can get an A."

"That's great to hear."

"How about you, Avner."

She just had to change her tone. That's a little sad to know.

I won't question the fairness of this 'equal treatment for each child' argument families have at home. That's just not realistically possible. I'm inclined to think that it's better to treat different people differently, tailored to their growth and needs.

"I think I can get a C."

I'm pretty sure I can score 90.

"That's good to hear."

"Make sure you study well for tomorrow's paper. What is it again.. oh, ICT?"

"Yes, it's ICT," aether replied

Everyone's AIs were also floating around the dining table, all in private mode. In fact, I liked how the AIs know how to cut down on conversations during times of gathering like this. Randell was pretty quiet.

"Big bro."

"Yes?"

"I heard you got into a mess."

The kitchen table went silent.

"You're going to seriously bring it up at this sort of time?" I unconsciously raised my voice.

Lia showed me a grin.

Damn this etler. One moment xe'll be scared and timid, but at times when there's an absence of conflict, xe would act all cocky. Doesn't xe realize xe's planting a landmine to cause the family conflict xe doesn't wish to have?

"What mess?"

"I got into a small fight."

"What fight? I never taught my son to fight."

I have no say, I didn't even have the allowance to roll my eyes.

"Look, look."

It's already too late to stop Lia by this point. Xe's showing the ShareWiw short of the conflict between me and the senior from class 4I, Riel.

Truly. This world feels different from my own.

I pitied Lia before this, now I'm having conflicting thoughts. It's a nice topic to liven up the conversations around the table. And I suppose xe gains some satisfaction knowing that hirs brother is inferior to hir, a sort of buffer to reverse some of that inferiority complex.

Nevertheless, knowing that I'm going to be the punching bag here is somewhat silly.

It's been a while since this happened.

I can't get washed up by it. I have to keep firm and be respectful to people.

"Why would you say that? Avner, explain."

"It's rude to curse someone like that. Did you even apologize to her?"

"I didn't raise my son in this way."

"Sorry."

I'll just lower my head here, and listen to their reprimands. Clearing the misunderstanding is pointless. I can only empathize with the fact that they don't see things the way I do.

What are my priorities? Now that I know I wish to leave this negative family as soon as possible?

===

Unlike my previous world, teenagers in the <Cookie Cult> universe have been given more rights. Novelle made it this way because she envisioned a world where children are better protected. This idea sprouted from the anti-vax issue that plagued our previous world.

Teens that understood the importance of taking their vaccines, however, because their parents wouldn't sign the form, they don't get a dose. Thus, endangering their lives.

Moreover, with the advancement in technology and the rise of self-employment, it's easier than before to make a living even if you're a child.

Easier, but not easy, I will say.

I'll stick to it if I must.

Priority should be given to earning enough so I can rent a small home, capsule home. It's a popular trend these days.

Problem being, there's a ton of noise out on the internet. I have no clue where to start. Posting on ShareWiw might not be a good idea, especially when there are a plethora of other artists out there craving for attention.

Maybe my drawing cheat isn't useless after all.

[Found 192 that match the description as stated.]

"Thank you Randell."

Even so, I have to try.

I had Randell dig out job postings for 2D illustrations. I'm analyzing the art style and what the art is used for.

[Avner, you still have unopened messages from Lynda.]

"Seriously? Can you give me a summary?"

[She's asking you if you're alright.]

"I'll just ignore her for now."

I'll admit. I'm somewhat pissed by what happened.

[How about the one from Ares?]

"No question, I'm not opening that. I'll just tell him tomorrow."

To think they actually stalked me.

Pu'er probably saw the entire thing. I'm curious about hirs thoughts on it. As in Avner, not Shin. Shin is busy wracking his brain over how to make money.

"What do people need?"

I'm sure I can learn a thing or two from what Novelle did back in the past. Art alone doesn't have value, it only has value when others perceive it as valuable.

Which means I need to look at it through their lens.

Maybe I should consider drawing cover arts for the few web novels I find interesting? There's a fanart section here.

I don't think it's possible for me to do commisions for big companies because of my tight schedule.

Concerns about my exam tomorrow no longer feel important. I'll just do what I can.