In the last few days, Kai had spent a lot of time learning about this world. He wanted to know what kind of place he was living in now. He was surprised by the level of technology.
Even though the year was about 2200, the tools and machines were not as futuristic as he expected. The technology was only slightly better than the 21st-century tech he knew from his old life. There were no flying cars or cities in space yet.
However, the thing that interested him the most was the fact that the internet existed here. This meant that presumably the digital world was very similar to his old one. If the internet was around, then stuff like social media, NewTube, and Headbook probably existed as well. He spent a moment thinking about how the world had changed since magic and abilities appeared.
I wonder if there are social media celebrities in this world as well, Kai thought to himself. Are there influencers who show off their powers for likes and followers?
Kai tried to shake off these random thoughts. He needed to stay focused on the present. He shifted his attention back to his sister, Aria, who was still waiting for an answer.
"Nah, it's not that," Kai said, trying to sound honest. "It's just that I've been stuck in this house since basically forever. I stayed inside because I've always been scared of other people and what they would say about me. But now that I'm an ability user, I don't think I have to stay afraid anymore. I want to see what the world is like outside of this mansion."
Aria looked deeply into her brother's eyes. She was trying to find some sign of a lie or some trickery, but she couldn't find any. To her, it really seemed like her brother was telling the truth.
It appeared that he truly did just want her to come with him for a simple stroll through the city. She felt a little bit of pity for him, thinking about how he had lived like a prisoner in his own home for so long.
"Alright," Aria said after a moment. "If that's really all you want to do, we can go. But do you have anything specific that you want to do? I don't want to just walk around aimlessly all day."
Kai did not have to think about it. He immediately and instantly gave her an answer.
"I want to go to the mall and the arcade," he said with a small grin.
Aria looked at him with a flat expression. She had expected him to say something more important, but she simply nodded her head calmly.
"Alright, we can go there later today," she replied. "I'll arrange for some of the guards to come with us. We need to make sure we are safe while we are out in public."
Kai nodded his head quickly. He agreed with her completely. He knew that he was still weak and that the Ashford family just like any noble clan had many enemies.
He wanted to ensure his own safety just as much as she did. This was the first time he would be seeing this "new world" with his own eyes, and he didn't want it to be his last.
Let's see how big of a difference there is in this version of Earth compared to my old one, he thought.
Kai felt a spark of real excitement in his chest. For the first time since he woke up in this body, he felt like he was going on an adventure.
A few hours passed as they got ready. Soon, Kai and Aria were standing at the front of the grand mansion.
A long, black limousine was parked right in front of the steps, its engine idling quietly. Standing near the car were a couple of women wearing sharp black suits and dark sunglasses. They looked very professional and strong.
One of the guards was clearly the leader of the group. She stood at the front, watching the area with sharp eyes. She had golden blonde hair that was tied back into a neat bun. Unlike the other guards, she was the only one not wearing sunglasses.
Her eyes were a bright, clear shade of green, and she looked to be in her mid-forties. It was easy to tell that this woman had been a great beauty when she was younger, and she still had a very powerful presence.
Kai looked at her and searched his new memories. He remembered that this person was named Aunty Amara. She was a very loyal person who had served the Ashford family for almost her entire life. She was more like a family member than a worker.
But the most important thing Kai remembered about her was her strength. Amara was a A-rank hunter.
In this world, hunters were ranked by their power, and A-rank was incredibly high. The fact that the head guard of the family was an A-rank hunter showed just how much power and money the Ashford family really had. Only the richest and strongest families could hire someone of that level to just stand around a house.
Kai felt very happy about this. He knew that in this dangerous new world, having an A-rank hunter nearby meant he had a lot of protection against any potential enemies who might try to hurt him.
The group stood in silence for a moment before Aria spoke up.
"Aunty Amara, my brother wants to go to the city," Aria said seriously. "How long can you stay out with us? I want to make sure we have time to see everything."
Amara's face remained stoic, but her green eyes softened. She noticed Kai standing tall and confident instead of looking at the ground.
"The Master is quite busy these days," Amara said in a steady voice. "I will stay as long as you need. We should leave now to avoid the crowds."
As they walked to the car, Amara stepped closer to Kai. She kept her professional posture but spoke in a low, caring tone.
"You seem different today, Young Master. There is a spark in your eyes that was not there before. It is a good look on you."
Kai gave her an easygoing smile. "Let's just say something good has happened to me recently, Aunty Amara."
Amara gave a firm, proud nod and opened the car door. She didn't ask more, but she seemed pleased to see his new confidence.