Act - 8: ''Scheming''

As I looked out the window, everything appeared in a new light. It was surreal, as if the world had reset itself just for me. Buildings that once stood tall in my adult past were no longer there, replaced by open spaces or different structures entirely. The streets seemed wider, the trees younger, and the air fresher. Each landmark, each street corner, evoked a flood of memories, both bitter and sweet. My heart swelled with a mix of nostalgia and excitement, knowing I had been given a second chance to rewrite my story.

The train glided smoothly along the tracks, carrying us toward our new beginning. The landscape outside was a patchwork of familiar and unfamiliar scenes, stirring a deep sense of wonder within me. I felt like a child again, seeing the world with fresh eyes, yet the weight of my past experiences grounded me. The train finally came to a halt, and we gathered our belongings. As we stepped off, the bustling atmosphere of the bus central greeted us. People hurried by, each lost in their own world, as we made our way to the bus stop.

The cold air nipped at my cheeks, invigorating me. I was back, and this time, things would be different. Aria and I found a spot to wait for our bus, the anticipation of our new life hanging in the air. The bus central was alive with activity, a constant flow of arrivals and departures. The noise, the movement, the energy—it was all a part of this vibrant world I was re-entering. I glanced at Aria, who was busy checking the bus schedule. She seemed more at ease now, her earlier concerns momentarily forgotten.

I couldn't help but feel grateful for her presence. She had always been there for me, and I knew she would be an essential part of my journey this time around. As we stood there, waiting for our bus, I allowed myself a moment to dream. My mind buzzed with plans and possibilities. The first step in my grand plan was to invest in cryptocurrency, specifically Bitcoin. Back in this time, Bitcoin was dirt cheap, and I knew that even a small investment of $100 would be enough to set me on the path to immense wealth. The idea of building my imperium excited me, but I also understood the challenges ahead. I was still a child and would need an adult to help me, someone I could trust or control.

Aria's voice chimed in, breaking my train of thought. "Hurry up, Dio! The bus has arrived," she called out. We rushed to board the bus and found seats near the back. As we settled in, Aria turned to me with a curious look. "Are you okay with moving to another country?" she asked.

I smiled, trying to act like a clueless child. "Yeah, I'm okay. It's exciting."

She studied me for a moment before speaking again. "You've been acting weird ever since the airport. You used to be so childish and never listened, but now you act so mature for a nine-year-old."

I shrugged, keeping my expression innocent. "I guess I'm just excited about the new adventure."

Aria shook her head, a small smile playing on her lips. "Well, as long as you're happy, that's all that matters."

I nodded, turning my gaze back to the window. The world outside rushed past in a blur, but my mind was clear and focused. This was the beginning of a new chapter, and I was ready to seize every opportunity that came my way.

The bus arrived, its electronic sign flashing "21 Beartown" as the three doors swung open. A rush of people poured in, hurrying to secure their seats. Aria and I joined the crowd, navigating our way through the bustling passengers.

The bus was packed, filled with the sounds of conversations, rustling bags, and the occasional beep of electronic devices. We managed to find two seats near the middle, settling in as the bus lurched forward. I looked out the window, watching as the cityscape gradually transformed into suburban scenery. The buildings grew smaller and fewer, giving way to open spaces and clusters of houses. Beartown, our new home, was on the horizon.

As we traveled, I couldn't help but reflect on the strange turn of events that had brought me here. The opportunity to relive my childhood, to make different choices, felt like a gift. My mind buzzed with plans and possibilities, each one a step towards the future I intended to build.

Aria glanced at me, a hint of curiosity in her eyes. "You seem deep in thought, Dio," she said, her tone gentle.

I smiled, trying to keep my thoughts from showing too much. "Just thinking about our new home," I replied, my voice light. "It's exciting and a bit overwhelming."

She nodded, her expression understanding. "It is a big change, but we'll make it work. Beartown is a nice place. You'll see."

The bus continued its journey, and I let my thoughts drift. This was a new beginning, and I was grateful for this chance. I promised myself to live it fully from now on. There was so much ahead, so many challenges and opportunities. I was determined to make the most of every moment.

Finally, the bus slowed as it reached our stop. The sign outside read "Up Town Bear Street." The doors then slid open, and we joined the flow of a few other people disembarking. The cool air greeted us as we stepped onto the pavement, the sounds of the city fading into the background.

Aria and I looked around, taking in our new surroundings. Beartown was peaceful, with tree-lined streets and houses that exuded a quiet charm. It was a stark contrast to the bustling city I had just left behind in my old life.

"Welcome to Beartown," Aria said with a smile, her voice filled with optimism.

"Yeah," I replied, feeling a mix of emotions. "Let's make this my new home."

We walked together, our footsteps echoing softly on the pavement, a shared rhythm in the quiet evening air. As we passed a charming children's park, the sounds of kids laughing and playing on swings and slides filled the air, vibrant and full of life. The park was a colorful oasis, a stark reminder of the new beginnings that lay ahead.

Beyond the park, five apartment buildings stood tall, each a blend of modern design and cozy homeliness. Their sleek lines and warm lights created a welcoming atmosphere, drawing us closer to our new home.

We approached the fifth building, the entrance inviting us with its glass doors and neatly maintained facade. Aria pushed open the door, and we stepped into the lobby. It was clean and well-lit, with a few potted plants adding a touch of greenery. The smell of fresh paint lingered in the air, a sign that the building was relatively new.

"We're almost there," Aria said, her voice tinged with excitement and relief. "Your mom's apartment is on the third floor."

We made our way to the stairs and walked up in silence, the quiet punctuated by the soft thud of our footsteps. My thoughts were a whirlwind of the past and the future, the old and the new. Aria led the way, stopping in front of a door numbered 305. She pulled out a key and unlocked it, pushing the door open to reveal my new home.

The apartment was cozy, with a small living room that opened into a kitchen. The furniture was simple but comfortable, and large windows let in plenty of natural light. The space felt inviting, a promise of warmth and safety.

"Here we are," Aria said, dropping my bags and looking around with a satisfied smile. "What do you think?"

I took a deep breath, feeling a sense of peace settle over me. "It's perfect," I replied, meaning it. "It's a fresh start."

She nodded, her eyes warm with understanding. "Let's get you settled in. Here's your room," Aria said, guiding me to a small, cozy bedroom. The room was clearly meant for a child, with colorful wallpaper and a bed covered in bright, patterned sheets. A small desk sat by the window, and shelves lined the walls, waiting to be filled with books and toys.

I looked around, taking in the simplicity of the space. It was a stark contrast to the life I had known before, but it was also a blank slate, a place where I could start anew.

Aria smiled, watching my reaction. "I know it's not much, but it's a start. We'll make it feel like home in no time."

I nodded, feeling a mixture of gratitude and determination. "Thank you, Aria. This is perfect."

She ruffled my hair affectionately. "You're welcome, Dio. Now, let's unpack and get you settled in. We've got a lot to do."

As we began to unpack, I couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia, like déjà vu. But this time, I had a huge advantage: I knew the trends of the future, and it was both exciting and scary to realize what I could gain.

This was the beginning of a new chapter, and I was ready to make the most of it. With this gift of a system and a second chance, I knew that this time, in this life, I had the power to seize and control my own destiny.

I grinned to myself, the thrill of anticipation coursing through me. Let it begin.

Dio Stat's Info

Lvl:3

Strength:20

Agility:13

Intelligence:5

Endurance:7

Charm:15