3 Chapter 3 ~ Starting the Engine (1/2)

…

The sky is so blue, and the streets, the buildings… all covered by the mild clouds.

Walking down the crowded streets here, makes me feel anxious.

There are so many punks here, oddly enough, they seem to ignore me. Weird, even though I already have a shower, maybe I still need to use soap or something. I thought to myself, 'Maybe they're just minding their own business' I shook my head, 'No, I'm sure it's not because I'm smelly' convincing myself that was not the possibility.

Still, even though it's a Desolated Sector, many people went around looking for a breather. 'Lively as always... well, not really' I thought.

Why am I going out?

I need to do something outside… to look for a rental, there is someone I want to call. I couldn't find anyone in the main street that offers the service, and looking around a bit further, I found myself in the train passageway, though there are none over there too.

Phone rental services are rare. Since it's not much of a profitable business for someone to have, they don't offer much gain of income.

So, I went to look for one in the park. Word on the street is that the Merchant is there.

The park is filled with people, but it seems they're not here to enjoy the sunny day nor do they look for a breather— no, they're here for business.

Guns, drugs, and just about anything that screams illegal are out in the open here and they casually do the exchange without a care in the world. There is almost no security, but if one were to break the law... Well, let's just say something really bad is going to happen.

My appearance is that of a nerdy commoner kid so they might look down on me. However, I still have my past life experience and I know how to act properly. Wouldn't want to accidentally offend someone, that would be bad.

A guy is sitting down under a tree over there with some stuff lying around, I approached him.

Of course, I know who that is. People call him… the Merchant.

The Merchant is selling just about anything, and all kinds of service, though just not that kind of service. His collection may not be at the top best, but you won't find anyone else that is like him.

”Hey, bud” I greeted him.

”Whatchu need, gal? Got all kinds of things here” he said.

Bending down as I spoke, ”Do any call service?”

”Sure, sure, which sector?”

”High Sect, 3rd Row”

The Merchant stroke his beard, he paused for a moment, ”… Hmm, 8 bucks” (8$)

I thought to myself, 'Damn” and so, I tried to negotiate, ”How about—”

But before I finish, the merchant uttered, ”Seven”

I still think it was too expensive and he was about to lower it again, but I stopped him, saying that I'll take it. I don't want to make an enemy with someone that will surely be useful for me in the future.

I took the phone from his hand, and then dial a number.

I'm calling my aunt, she's the only one that is friendly towards me and I'm sure she would help me with my money problem.

…

”No!” said the voice on the phone

”B-But, Aunt Linda…”

”I said no, goodness, it hasn't been long since you disgrace the name of our family and now, you're asking us for money?”

Panicked, I was hit with a truly unexpected response.

Cute Distress Mode Activated, ”B-But... I really need it… Auntie, can you please help me, I promise I will return it later”

”Humph! You always say that, and you still haven't returned the money previously!”

Guh, I took phantom damage. It felt like I was being punched in the stomach. ”Th-That was… well…” stuttering as I tried to answer her. I thought, 'I couldn't deny it! I forgot that in this timeline I still owe her the 30mil!'

”When your mother not giving you things, you always turn to me. What am I, your back up storage or something? Should I remind you that…”

Well, it's true that I always borrowed money from her but always forgot to return it...

And so, the usual Lecture of Aunt Linda started.

Aunt Linda has been taking care of me for as long as I can remember, and she even stood up when I was about to be kicked out of the house, unfortunately to no avail…

I got kicked out of the Family Tree instead, pretty much losing just about everything.

A few moments later.

”… and that is why you should think before you act!”

I feel like I went limp, ”… Yes, Auntie. I understand”

Lifeless.

”Humph! Good. I will transfer the money, but remember… this is the last one, princess”

My eyes glitter after hearing the sound of that. I said, ”Yes, Auntie, I promise this will be the last one!” I clenched my fist in joy and said, ”Thank you, thank you, thank you!! I love you, Auntie”

”Alright, Alright. I'll be hanging up now, do take care of yourself, Siola”

”Yes, Auntie, I will. Goodbye”