MMORPG: Rebirth as an Alchemist Chapter 2

Two days later.

Helen felt lost for words when Ren abruptly announced his plan to relocate nearer to Fate Academy. “Are you sure you’ll be okay on your own?”

She and Troy had somewhat anticipated this moment, yet hearing it straight from their son's lips changed everything. Tears streamed down her face that evening after the revelation. Ren had lived with them for all nineteen years of his life, and soon he'd be independent. A mix of pride, joy, and sorrow overwhelmed her.

Ren nodded. “It’s more convenient this way,” he explained, stuffing his garments into his bag while feeling his mother’s piercing stare on his back.

“Must it be a school in Zone A? And why the rush? Classes don’t start for another two months.”

“Helen,” Troy scolded his wife gently. “We’ve talked this over and agreed to back Ren’s choice. Plus, grads from Zone A universities stand a far better shot at landing spots in major firms.”

“Dad’s correct, Mom.” Ren sealed his bag and turned to face his parents.

When had his parents begun to appear aged? Only now did he spot the strands of gray hair, the creased skin, the stooped postures, and their labored breaths.

Ren fought back the moisture in his eyes and mustered a grin. Emotions rarely stirred him—many called him detached and icy. Yet, witnessing one's parents age and frail would move anyone to tears.

“I need to head to Zone A right away to secure a dorm and submit my application to Fate Academy.” Ren slung his bag across his shoulder. “I’ll phone you daily.”

Helen bit her lip and held her tongue as Troy clapped his son’s shoulder. “I’ve transferred the funds to your account. Use them wisely and stay cautious in the bustling city.”

“Skip the late-night parties. Steer clear of shady groups, eat well, stay fit, hit the books hard so you land a solid job post-graduation, snag a home, and settle down with a nice woman,” Helen added quickly.

Ren grinned. “I will.”

Though marriage seemed doubtful, he vowed to purchase them a grand mansion in Zone A’s elite districts, complete with elite guards and stunning vistas. His parents would reign like royalty amid attendants.

This was his solemn oath to himself, and this time, nothing would stop him from keeping it.

—-

As soon as Ren arrived in Zone A, the spectacle of soaring vehicles, elevated train capsules, skyscrapers beaming holographic displays, and purified breezes from countless purifiers assaulted his senses.

Zone A’s landscape starkly contrasted Zone C’s vintage designs. Every structure here gleamed modern and advanced.

Ren exited the airport and boarded a bus toward his target. Thanks to his previous life’s memories, he knew all the zones well. Out of instinct, he claimed a window seat in any ride, gazing at the panorama unfolding below.

Aerial paths for mass transit now laced the heavens, leaving the streets for greenery, bikes, and pedestrian paths. From high up, folks resembled tiny insects hustling through routines, while vast plazas, cascades, flora, and woodlands offered a stunning vista as ever.

At his stop, Ren headed to Ravens, an all-boys dormitory close to Fate Academy—the very same one from before. Among the nearby options, it was the most budget-friendly.

After finishing the paperwork and settling in, Ren arranged his belongings, rang his parents, showered, and at last collapsed onto his mattress.

Zone A’s housing was top-tier. His room spanned a spacious ten-by-ten meters, featuring an entryway, bathroom, compact kitchenette, lone bed, study table, purifier, and cooling unit.

Still, monthly rates soared from five hundred up to ten thousand dollars based on the room’s caliber.

Back then, besides academics, Ren balanced several gigs to cover rent and daily costs.

Like before, Ren picked the bargain dorm. Fancy rugs, stone walls, plush couches, crystal lights, and hot tubs held no appeal. He’d thrived with just a tap, mug, and overhead fan forever, so luxuries weren’t essential.

He shut his eyes.

Tomorrow, he’d seek a student loan at Fate Academy and handle the forms. With enrollment locked in, he’d dash to grab the gaming pod downtown.

Being among the initial COVENANT players at launch was critical.

In precisely seven months, the hit game would draw investments from corporations, tycoons, and moguls into guilds, which in turn required headquarters.

Their modest leased government plots would fall to the surge of massive building projects.

Due to the surging influx of demand for land, rents shot up dramatically, leaving his parents no option but to settle in the slums with a shoddy shelter built from wooden scraps and rusted metal sheets, all to scrape together savings so he could dwell comfortably in Zone A.

That was when his father’s condition worsened sharply, since the flimsy home failed to shield them from the rain and chill.

A scorching urge ignited in Ren’s belly, propelling him to reach his ambition at a quicker pace.

Knock!

Knock!

Ren’s eyes fluttered open as he let out a groan. He figured he knew exactly who was knocking at his door at six in the evening.

“Ren!”

Ren inhaled deeply to steady his nerves before pulling open the door. A boy his age, with patchy brown hair and dirt-streaked skin, flashed a grin stretching from ear to ear.

Yet Ren recognized the scheming personality concealed behind that cheerful smile.

“Roni.” The boy from Ren’s neighborhood.