Chapter 93
Strange change
Two weeks later.
IAM was finally allowed to leave the hospital and walk among the public again.
He stood at the reception desk, taking in the surroundings. The space didn't look anything like a hospital. It was clean, bright, and almost luxurious in its aesthetic. Modern, elegant architecture, soft lighting, and minimalist decor made it resemble a high-end hotel more than a place for the sick and dying.
The receptionist, a man with sleek black hair and a sharp uniform, quickly navigated something on his sleek monitor. With a nod, he looked up. "Okay, you've been cleared to leave," he said with a polite smile. "Make sure to keep yourself safe and healthy. Haven Hospital is always happy to help."
IAM nodded silently and reached forward to take the card that had been slid across the counter. It felt heavier than it looked—matte black with silver detailing, smooth and official. It marked him as a recognised member of the hospital, entitled to free healthcare.
But this wasn't something anyone could just buy. Haven Hospital didn't open its doors to just anyone with money. Entry wasn't based on wealth, but on influence, recognition, or… in IAM's case, tragedy. This card was a symbol of what he had endured, of the pain he had survived. It was a hard-earned privilege.
IAM adjusted the strap of the simple bag on his shoulder. Inside was his life condensed: 20 gold coins, a few sets of clothes… not much else. He still needed to go shopping.
But what he was most looking forward to was getting his hands on the Hope Academy uniform.
Thor had informed him that the Academy was seriously considering his application. IAM would receive an answer soon—at the same time everyone else got their results. He was hopeful. Confident, even.
But if he wasn't accepted…
Well, he would have to start thinking of backup plans.
At the moment, he wore a red hoodie with a striking design: a woman wearing a prison outfit holding a thick chain, which was attached to a green pig wearing a collar that read "MINE" The word "MINE" was also printed across the back of the hoodie in a bright green. It was eccentric, maybe even tasteless to some, but it had a kind of street-style boldness that stood out. The black trousers he wore sagged slightly, just enough to show he didn't care what anyone thought. His shoes, also black, bore the same "MINE" logo etched into the soles.
IAM assumed it was a popular brand in this world. He hadn't exactly had time to research fashion trends.
The clothes hadn't come from nowhere. A group of well-dressed strangers had visited him in the hospital, expressing clear interest in sponsoring him. They said they'd be back later to finalise a contract.
Their offer was simple: if IAM got into Hope Academy, they would customize their brand onto his academy uniform, within the permitted limits. Sponsorship. Advertising. Leverage the fact he was the sole survivor of the Hold—a story already spreading like wildfire.
They offered 1 gold coin per month. IAM hadn't hesitated. He didn't mind.
As he was about to leave, a voice called out behind him.
"Hold on, are you really not going to say goodbye to me?"
Maye approached with her arms folded, eyebrow raised and a mock-offended look on her face. "Wow. Wearing an expensive brand got to your head, huh?"
IAM didn't respond.
"I'm joking."
He remained silent. Just watching her.
"..."
"Thanks for everything," IAM finally said. "I hope I'll never need your services again."
"That's what we hope to achieve here at Haven Hospital," she replied with a small grin, waving him off like it was no big deal.
The automatic doors slid open with a smooth hiss. IAM stepped into the sunlight.
He paused, blinking at the sky. For some reason, he turned and looked back.
Maye was still there, waving.
There was something about her—something in her presence, in the way she watched him go—that reminded him of her.
He didn't want to think about it. He shook his head and focused instead on the device in his hand. A phone. Surprisingly familiar-looking. Rectangular. Flat. The interface was slightly different, but the essentials were familiar. He unlocked it and opened an app called Watsapp.
Only one contact was saved. Thor.
He'd sent IAM the address to a hotel where he could stay for the next three weeks, close to the academy. Seemed simple enough.
But IAM already knew himself well. He was probably going to wander in circles for hours before finding the place.
He sighed and submitted himself to fate.
As he walked, the city of Hope stretched out before him like a vision from a dream. Towering skyscrapers pierced the sky, their glass surfaces catching the sunlight like diamonds. Trees and greenery were entwined with the buildings—It was a city where nature hadn't been overtaken by progress. They'd merged.
The technology wasn't extreme. No flying cars or hoverboards. The cars on the road had wheels, tires, and real headlights—unlike the truck from the Hold that IAM had ridden in.
And everything in this place looked… expensive.
The shops were clean, polished, professional. Everyone wore clothes that looked like they belonged in some upscale fashion magazine.
Even the design of the lamp posts—all of it gave the impression of a carefully crafted utopia.
IAM would describe the place like an ultra-modern corner of Dubai. It was pristine. Beautiful. But you could also feel the invisible weight of money in the air. Status. Class.
Everything was gleaming, everything was ordered. It was clean, but it didn't feel artificial.
Of course—this was the Higher Sector.
IAM's eyes were drawn toward a distant sight: a colossal grey wall that stretched endlessly into the horizon. It must've been at least 15,000 meters tall. It encircled the entire country like a fortress. IAM was only seeing a fraction of it now, and even that was enough to make him feel small.
That wall was what separated Hope from the slums. From Hope's End just outside it's wall.
This city had layers.
The Highest Sector.
The Higher Sector.
The Middle Sector.
The Lower Sector.
And outside was Hope's End.
It was a clear hierarchy made stone and steel.
The further away from Hope's End, the higher the level of the sector. So IAM was in the opposite direction of Hope's End.
IAM suddenly felt very far from where he came from. The IAM that had once existed in Hope's s End was born there... Wait… he had no idea where he had truly been born.
The old IAM.
He was an orphan. His origin was just a blank page.
Who knew where he was really born?
He glanced at the directions Thor had sent him.
So I go left... then right… then straight… then left again… then I…
IAM exhaled slowly. "...can go fuck myself."
He was completely lost.
Shaking his head in resignation, he started walking, All he could do was trust that whatever gods that existed in this world would guide him to his direction.
As he moved, his thoughts became heavy again. They sank deep into that quiet space he hadn't dared share with anyone—not even Thor.
But when he had woken up... IAM had noticed something.
A strange change.
Ever since he had woken up in that hospital…
He could feel it.
He was on the edge.
Right on the cusp of becoming…
An experienced-level ascender.