A Place to call Home (2)

The front door opened automatically as they approached, revealing a spacious foyer with high ceilings and polished marble floors. Aiden took a moment to absorb the atmosphere, feeling a sense of awe at the sheer beauty and opulence of the place.

The group began their tour, moving from room to room. The villa boasted an open-concept living area with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a stunning vista of rolling hills and a distant glimmering lake. The kitchen was state-of-the-art, equipped with the latest appliances and designed with a sleek, minimalist aesthetic.

"This place is incredible," Mark remarked, clearly impressed as they wandered through the spacious living room. "I can already see you hosting some amazing get-togethers here, Aiden."

Lena nodded in agreement. "It's perfect. Everything feels so open and bright."

Aiden smiled, feeling a growing sense of connection to the villa. "It's amazing. I could really see myself living here."

Lila led them upstairs to the bedrooms, each more impressive than the last. The master suite featured a private balcony with a breath taking view, along with a luxurious ensuite bathroom complete with a soaking tub and rain shower.

"The view alone is worth it," Aiden said, standing on the balcony and taking in the scenery.

"It's pretty spectacular, isn't it?" Lila replied, joining him with a smile. "I thought you'd like this one."

Aiden nodded, feeling more certain about his decision. "I do. It feels right."

After exploring the rest of the villa, they discovered four dedicated training rooms: three for beginners and a single advanced one.

The advanced training room featured a training doll with a maximum power of a Prime Apprentice Mage, while the beginners room's training doll capped at a Novice level.

The villa also boasted a steaming hot sauna, a private cinema that could accommodate more than 20 people, and various other luxurious amenities. Once they had seen everything, they returned to the main living area.

"There is also a butler AI that is part of the villa, it was not here today because the owner of the villa decided that the buyer should have the right to customise the butler to his liking." Said Lila, remembering some details about the villa.

"That's quite thoughtful of the owner." said Aiden, with his mind set on buying this villa.

Aiden felt like there was no need to waste time looking for other villas, this one had everything he needed.

He was also very excited about training in that room, trying out the sauna's and many other things.

Aiden felt a sense of excitement mixed with nostalgia, thinking back to his days in the orphanage when he had dreamed of having a place to call his own.

"Do you want to see the others, or are you sold on this one?" Lila asked with a teasing smile.

Aiden chuckled, feeling a little grateful for her support. "No need to do that, I will buy this one."

"Are you sure? it is quite an expensive villa compared to the other ones. The price is 200 Mid Mana crystals or 2 High Mana crystal."

"The increase in price compared to other villas, is mainly due to the training rooms, and the variety of entertainment methods in the villa." said Lila, as she read through the documents.

"That's fine, do I pay you, or the owner?" said Aiden.

"Well.. you can either pay us and we can help mediate the transaction, or you can directly pay the owner." said Lila, giving Aiden the options he has.

Aiden appreciated Lila's sincerity, knowing that real estate agencies typically act as intermediaries and rarely allow direct contact between property owners and prospective tenants.

"Then, I will pay you first. Sorry to trouble you with this." said Aiden, as he acted like he is grabbing the crystal from his robe pocket. When in fact he is taking the crystals out from the inventory.

After taking his hands out from his pockets, Aiden took out 3 High Mana crystals and handed them to Lila.

"Aiden, I said the price is 2 High Mana crystal." Said Lila, as she looked at Aiden with a puzzled expression.

"I know, 2 is for the villa and the last one is for you. I troubled you a lot and took a large amount of your time, so I wanted to show my appreciation of your help." replied Aiden, with a smile on his face.

Staring into Aiden's ocean-blue eyes, Lila felt her composure slip for a few seconds. Her thoughts scattered, and she stumbled over her words. "I—" She blinked, trying to gather herself, her cheeks flushing with a hint of embarrassment. "I see... Thank you"

Aiden smiled warmly, seemingly unaware of her momentary lapse. "I really appreciate everything you're doing for me, Lila. It means a lot."

Lila took a deep breath, regaining her poise. She forced a smile and continued, "It's no trouble at all. Helping you find a place is important to me. We are friends after all."

As she spoke, Lila's mind raced, trying to push aside the unexpected flutter of nerves she felt in Aiden's presence.

There was something about his earnest gratitude that left her feeling slightly off-balance. She quickly refocused on the task at hand, reminding herself of the paperwork that needed to be prepared.

"Since you've decided on the first villa, I'll get the paperwork ready so we can move forward with the purchase," Lila said, her voice steady once more. "It will be done in a few seconds."

Aiden nodded, clearly appreciating her professionalism. "Thanks, Lila."

A few seconds later, Lila pulled out the documents and handed it to him. "Here are the documents you need to sign." 

After signing the documents, both parties had a copy of the tenancy agreement. Aiden officially owned the villa, and was able to move there.

"Mark, Lena, this is your house too. Come here whenever you want. I'll make sure you both have spare keys," Aiden said, smiling warmly as he looked at them. He valued their friendship and wanted them to feel at home in his new place.

Mark and Lena exchanged surprised glances, their eyes widening with appreciation.

"Wow, Aiden, that's really generous of you," Mark said, his voice filled with gratitude. "We'll definitely take you up on that offer."

Lena nodded, her smile bright. "Yeah, thanks, Aiden. It'll be great to have a place where we can all hang out and relax."

Aiden shrugged modestly, feeling a sense of warmth and satisfaction. "You've both been there for me since the beginning. This is the least I can do. Plus, it wouldn't feel right enjoying this place without you two."

"You too Lila, you can come over whenever you want." 

Listening to Aiden's words, Lila felt her face turn beet red with embarrassment. She hadn't expected him to be so direct. "Mm," she replied with a soft hum, trying to mask her flustered state.

Mark and Lena noticed Lila's reaction and exchanged amused glances, but they decided not to comment, sensing that Aiden's kindness had caught her off guard.

Trying to regain her composure, Lila cleared her throat and said, "Have you guys been training for the tournament? It's in two days."

Mark nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah, I've been putting in a lot of work in the training building." he added with a grin.

Lena chimed in, "I'm actually feeling pretty good about our chances. Especially with you on our team, Lila."

Lila shook her head. "You are giving me too much credit, but we indeed have a good chance. We just need to be aware of the four other uncrowned kings, they will be difficult to deal with"

"I will handle them; you guys don't have to worry," said Aiden confidently, as he thought about the system upgrade that was imminent. He had confidence that the system will allow him to pass the other king's strength.

"It should be done by tomorrow noon," Aiden thought, feeling a mix of anticipation and excitement.

The upgrade will definitely enhance his abilities significantly, giving him an edge in the upcoming tournament.

As the group wrapped up their conversation, they made their way back toward the academy. The sun was setting, casting a warm glow over the city and marking the end of a productive and inspiring day.

After Lila dropped them off at the academy, she waved goodbye. "I'll see you guys another time. Take care," she said with a warm smile.

"Thanks for everything, Lila," Aiden replied, waving back. Mark and Lena echoed his sentiments, appreciative of her help and hospitality.

With their goodbyes exchanged, Lila left with Butler Charles, the sleek limousine gliding away toward her home. Meanwhile, Aiden, Mark, and Lena headed back to their dorms, the day's events still fresh in their minds.

As they walked, Aiden reflected on the day's accomplishments. Deciding to spend one last night in his dorm room, he planned to pack up his belongings and move into the villa tomorrow.

Once inside his dorm, Aiden surveyed the room that had been his home since arriving at the academy. It was filled with memories of late-night study sessions and early morning workouts. Despite the excitement of moving into his new villa, he felt a pang of nostalgia.

"I guess it's time to start a new chapter," he thought, feeling a mix of emotions.

A few minutes Earlier...

"What do you think about him, Charles." said Lila, while looking at the city from the windows.

"He is quite the character," Charles remarked, reflecting on the day's events. "To be generous enough to give you a commission of one High Mana Crystal, he's certainly not stingy, he must have gotten it from his breakthrough with magic circles. It's also clear that he values friendship deeply."

Lila nodded thoughtfully. "Yes, Aiden has a strong sense of loyalty and gratitude. It's impressive how much he's achieved despite his past. His generosity and the way he treats his friends speak volumes about his character."

Charles agreed, his expression thoughtful. "Indeed. It's not every day you meet someone with such integrity and a genuine appreciation for those around him. It's a quality that will undoubtedly serve him well in the future."