Chapter 13: Something Unexpected

"W-wait, so you're telling me that you, a child from a Low Grade area, are an Awakened?" the man said, his voice tinged with curiosity and disbelief.

Vesper scratched his head and then nodded, feeling a mix of pride and anxiety.

He was about to walk off when his manager stopped him, placing a firm hand on his shoulder. "Vesper, that guy you just beat—he's one of our own. He's from a Low Grade area like you, chosen by the Abyss, and we hired him as part of our security team."

Vesper frowned in confusion. "What do you mean by that, mister?"

The manager sighed, his gaze softening. "What I'm trying to say is that you could become one of us too. We can provide you with shelter and resources, but you'll need to agree to participate in certain activities. Personally, I don't want that for you, but it's the only way I can think of to help."

"There's another way, mister," Vesper replied, his voice steady but firm.

"And what's that?" the manager asked, raising an eyebrow.

"You and that guy can keep this a secret," Vesper suggested. "I'll continue working for you, but just as a regular worker. If I start working under someone as an Awakened, I'm afraid I'll be used or exploited. It's not that I don't trust you, mister—I do—but I can't trust whoever's behind this company. They'd see me as nothing more than a tool."

The manager hesitated, clearly torn. "But Vesper, this is an opportunity for you."

"How do you see this as an opportunity, mister?" Vesper asked, genuinely curious.

"I want to guide you and your brother," the manager said, his voice filled with sincerity. "My wife and I have taken a liking to both of you. We don't want anything to happen to you, so we want to take care of you—personally."

Vesper's eyes widened in shock. He struggled to find his voice as the weight of the offer hit him. "W-what do you mean by that?" he stammered.

The manager smiled warmly. "We've been thinking of adopting both of you, if that's alright with you."

Vesper was speechless. He opened his mouth to respond but found no words. This was more than he had ever hoped for—more than he thought possible.

"So, Vesper, what do you think?" the manager asked gently.

"I… I-I appreciate everything you've done for me and my brother, mister. But is that really okay?" Vesper's voice was filled with uncertainty.

"It'll be fine, as long as it's known that we planned to adopt you before you Awakened," the manager explained. "If people find out you Awakened while still a Low Grade citizen, you might be targeted by the High Grades. But if you Awaken after being adopted, it's a different story."

Vesper considered this carefully. He understood the risks. In a world where power was everything, a Low Grade individual suddenly gaining power would draw unwanted attention. But as an adopted son of a respected family, he might be safer.

"Thank you, mister. I'll talk to my little brother tonight and let you know tomorrow. Is that okay?" Vesper asked, his voice full of gratitude.

"Of course, Vesper. And don't worry about the package. This guy will deliver it." The manager tapped the shoulder of the man Vesper had knocked out earlier, who was now stirring awake. "Hey, get up and deliver this package. We'll discuss your actions later."

The man nodded, breaking free from the ropes Vesper had painstakingly tied. Vesper watched in astonishment as the man effortlessly freed himself. '

I guess nothing mundane can bind an Awakened.' he thought to himself.

"Come on, Vesper, let me drive you home. You've had a long day," the manager said kindly, pointing to the man who had already picked up the package and was sprinting off at an incredible speed.

Vesper sighed and nodded, feeling a wave of exhaustion wash over him. He climbed into the car, and as they started driving, he couldn't help but marvel at the experience. It was his first time riding in a car, and everything about it felt surreal.

As they drove, the manager and Vesper talked about the future. The manager asked about Vesper's plans, particularly how he intended to navigate his newfound abilities and the Abyss.

"Vesper, can you tell me about your future plans? How do you plan to approach the Abyss?" the manager asked, glancing at Vesper through the rearview mirror.

"Well, if I can, I'll spend at least twelve hours of my sleep in the Abyss and the rest of the twelve hours here in the waking world," Vesper explained. "But before I go deeper into the Abyss, I want to gather as much knowledge as I can—anything that might help me survive and grow stronger."

The manager nodded, clearly impressed. "That's why I like you, Vesper. You're focused, and you always have a plan. You're lucky, though—my family has connections with some High Grade people, the Volaris family. They have a lot of information about the Abyss. I can get you some books or even arrange for someone to teach you, if you'd like."

"That's great, mister, but as much as I'd appreciate being taught, I don't want anyone knowing my style," Vesper said cautiously. "I've heard that betrayal is common in High Grade society. I don't want to risk being stabbed in the back."

The manager smiled, understanding Vesper's concerns. "Good thinking, Vesper. But you have nothing to worry about—these people are trustworthy. Still, if you prefer to train on your own, I can find you some manuals to help with your training. I'm sorry I can't help you myself—I'm just a mundane person."

"No, mister, you've helped me more than enough already. I wouldn't have made it this far without you. I'm glad you'll be my father." Vesper said, smiling warmly at the man who had become more than just a manager to him.

After some more conversation, they arrived at Vesper's small house. The manager turned to Vesper, his eyes wet with emotion. Vesper returned the look, feeling a deep sense of gratitude. "Thank you so much, father," he said, the word feeling right as it left his lips.

The manager's tears welled up, but before he could respond, Vesper gave him a hug. "See you tomorrow, father," Vesper said softly, stepping out of the car.

As Vesper walked to his front door, he looked back and waved at the man who would soon be his father. 'I'm so glad I met him.' Vesper thought, smiling as he entered the house. The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm glow over the small, cozy space.

Vesper went straight to the kitchen, eager to prepare something special for his brother. The drive home had been a memorable experience, but the thought of making his brother happy filled him with excitement.

Tonight would be different. On the way home, the manager had bought groceries—something Vesper rarely had the luxury to cook with. He was determined to make the most of it.

He began by cooking the rice, something he had learned to do properly from his soon-to-be father. He rinsed the grains thoroughly, watching as the water turned cloudy, then clear again. He measured the water carefully, knowing that too much or too little would ruin the texture. Once the rice was simmering on the stove, he turned his attention to the soup.

Vesper had never made anything like this before, but he was eager to try. He started by preparing the ingredients—thinly slicing the carrots, chopping the bok choy, peeling the garlic, and cutting the tofu into neat cubes. He added these to the pot, one by one, watching as the vibrant colors mixed together. He then added some freshly cut mushrooms, along with slices of tender beef, marinated earlier with soy sauce and ginger. The aroma was mouthwatering, filling the small kitchen with warmth and comfort.

The broth was simple, just water, but it would soon be infused with the rich flavors of the vegetables, meat, and a splash of soy sauce. Vesper stirred the pot carefully, adding in the final ingredients—a handful of green onions and a pinch of salt. As the soup began to boil, releasing even more fragrant steam, Vesper couldn't help but smile. He knew his brother would love it.

"Mister said to cook it all tonight, so it won't go bad by tomorrow," Vesper muttered to himself, following the advice he had been given.

As the soup simmered and the rice finished cooking, Vesper found himself humming a tune, feeling more content than he had in a long time. He was looking forward to seeing his brother's reaction. The thought of making him happy brought a warmth to Vesper's heart that no amount of power could replace.

When the meal was ready, Vesper placed everything neatly on the table, just as he heard footsteps approaching the front door. His brother was home.

Vesper rushed to the door, his heart pounding with excitement. As the door creaked open, he saw his brother standing there, tired from the day but smiling as soon as he saw Vesper.

"Welcome home," Vesper said, beaming as he stepped aside to let his brother in.

His brother's eyes lit up as he noticed the smell coming from the kitchen. "What's that smell? Did you cook something special?"

Vesper grinned, leading his borther to the kitchen.