Chapter 15: The Day After

"Thus concludes the initial years of human civilization. On Friday, we'll move on to more specific societies. Or, if you feel like doing homework, research the Afro-Eurasian Era—particularly the period before our Convergence Era."

Class ended with that.

We had focused on a part of history that was completely similar to Earth's, yet in this world, it was considered ancient. Just like how the B.C.E. era was viewed back home. Believe it or not, they even used the same terminology:

Before Convergence Era — B.C.E

After Convergence Era — A.C.E

A weird coincidence? I think not.

In all seriousness, I was glad the terminology wasn't overly complicated. You'd think technology in this world would be far more advanced, but from the year 2030 B.C.E. to the beginning of the A.C.E., humanity experienced a cultural renaissance. They made huge strides in preservation and personal growth as people—rather than advancing tech.

This continued all the way until 0 A.C.E.

And just like that, everything I thought I understood today… felt complete.

'Friday might actually be interesting.'

Learning about this world was fascinating. I couldn't wait to travel and meet people. With acting, I was sure I'd be able to do it all—not just for the experience, but to pay homage to the original Eizkel. That gave me even more motivation.

"Eiz, are you even listening?"

I had been so lost in thought that I forgot they were even talking.

"Sorry, Kate. I was thinking about last class."

"Why? It was sooo boring."

"Maybe to you. I thought it was fascinating—the sheer thought of humanity's development!"

"I bet that's your major."

"Ah."

"Hm?"

"I don't know my major…"

"…Stupid. Hehe~"

I didn't know what was so funny to her, but as long as she didn't nag me for not listening, I didn't care.

"Seriously, you two—stop flirting right in front of me. It kind of hurts!"

"You deserve it, Ophi! I didn't deserve earlier either!"

"M-My Kate has left me for another! How can this be?!"

"G-Jeez, see you later, Eiz! I'm taking her."

Kate dragged Ophi off to who-knows-where. I had to head to my next and final class for the day. Then it was straight home, and Mom said I could call the helicopter whenever.

'To use a helicopter for daily travel is so fucking cool!'

My next class was on the first floor, right next to the entrance. Thank the heavens for directories—without them, I'd be completely lost. Best part? You could find them online, which made my life even easier.

Walking in, I didn't recognize anyone—not that it surprised me. I sat in the same spot I had in my last class, by the window in the back.

The classroom itself was pretty big, but even five minutes in—still five minutes before class officially started—it was nowhere near full. As time went on, only the front really filled out, with just a few of us scattered in the back.

The professor walked in exactly at 9:30.

"Oh dear god." I covered my face.

It was the same woman from my last class.

We made eye contact, and she chuckled. She seemed to be in a much better mood today, which was good. Still, I would've preferred a different professor, but it wasn't like I could do anything about it.

"Alright, class. Let's begin with Chapter 1 in the online textbook—Analysis of Historical Literature."

'Hah~, guess I'll go with it.'

Class passed uneventfully, and nothing really stood out once we were dismissed.

Ding~

'It's probably Mom.' I unlocked my phone and saw a message from an unsaved number.

"Hello~! Alice here! Was wondering if you're still down for this weekend? :)"

'The infamous Alice, huh… She clearly knows this number, so I'm assuming Eizkel just deleted hers. The way she talks is probably just as annoying as she texts.' 

Not that it really mattered.

'How should I respond to this?'

I didn't know her background or importance, so it would be foolish to start something. But I couldn't just follow her rhythm, either. 'A casual brush-off should work.'

I replied:"No, got things to do 👍."

She responded instantly: "Bummer. Next time maybe?"

I Deleted the notification and moved on with my day. Mom needed me home quickly, but this whole thing with Alice reminded me that I still hadn't given Kate my number.

"Next time…" Whispering under my breath as I called up Jack. He already had the helicopter ready—waiting on top of the same building as yesterday. "Noire Cosmetics," which was Kate's dad's company.

In no time, I boarded, and Jack wasted no time taking off. I wished I could nap, but even with noise-canceling headphones, the roar of the blades made it impossible.

Instead, I opened up my phone and started organizing it to my liking.

'So these are the banking apps. He has four… I can only imagine.'

I opened one that was red and blue, with a tiger silhouette as its logo. Face ID popped up, and I didn't even get time to blink.

"5… 6… 7… near 8 figures."

I nearly fainted.

8,567,983.92 was the amount in just this one account.

Closing the app, I opened the others—one for investments, another for savings, and the last one for paying bills.

None of them came close to the checking account, which confused me. Why keep so much money in checking? His savings account alone had a 7% Annual Percentage Yield (APY)—which was outstanding!

Considering mine back on Earth had a measly 4.5% APY, I was definitely going to take advantage of this.

'Awww, I can only move 250,000 a day. Well, gotta start somewhere.'

I moved $250,000 into the savings and switched over to investments. Since I didn't know much about the market, I just scanned the app for safe investment options—just something to get me started.

'Oh look—Noire Cosmetics. I'll invest just because I know Kate. Besides, $200 a share isn't that bad.'

I was a casual investor, so my methods weren't exactly ones to follow—but it's not like I'd be talking to anyone about this. Maybe Mom. Or an actual professional. But for now, I was good.

"SIR! Prepare for descent!"

Jack snapped me out of it. I put my phone away and looked outside as we descended. The view from the sky always felt surreal—I don't think it's something I could ever truly get used to.

'Eiz, I really do hope you're doing well wherever you are.'

[You care too much.]

'Is that wrong? This was his life but now it's mine. I believe it's called appreciation.'

[Fair enough.]