chapter 28 new house
"Citizenship level?" Kaizer's voice was low, repeating the term as if weighing its importance. "And why is mine set to eight?"
The Guide offered a practiced, almost mechanical smile. "Citizenship level represents your formal standing and the breadth of rights you hold within our borders. It scales from Level 1 to Level 12. These tiers govern resource allocation and, more importantly, access to restricted information."
He paused, adjusting his collar. "Every 'Story Bearer' begins at Level 8 by default. Your progression from here depends entirely on your contribution to the state."
Kaizer didn't seem interested in the "contribution" part. His eyes sharpened. "Can I search for a specific person with a Level 8 clearance? This is... important."
The Guide's smile widened into a smirk that didn't quite reach his eyes. "Indeed. You should have no trouble searching the public and semi-restricted archives for an individual. If you wish, I can assist you with—"
"No thanks," Kaizer interrupted, his tone final. "I'll handle it myself. Just tell me where the Archive is located."
"Your personal ID will provide the coordinates for every facility you are permitted to enter," the Guide replied smoothly. "I highly recommend reviewing the rule books. Now, if there are no further questions, please follow me to your assigned quarters."
As they walked, Fighter trailed a few paces behind, his mind racing.
Who is Kaizer looking for? Fighter wondered, watching the back of Kaizer's head. In the original novel, he was supposed to be captured and forced to study here at the UCA. That was the catalyst—the place where he finally found the motivation to become stronger. This Kaizer looks the same, acts the same... but this search? This wasn't in the pages I read. Something is changing.
Fighter debated speaking up. Should I ask him? No... at this point in the story, Kaizer's trust is a fragile thing. We've only just met. If I push too hard now, I'll blow my chance of staying close to him.
The Guide suddenly glanced back at Fighter. "Is something wrong, sir? You look quite troubled."
Fighter blinked, snapping out of his thoughts. "Actually, yes. Where is the physical library? I prefer reading actual books. It's a hobby of mine."
The Guide looked genuinely perplexed. "A library? Most Story Bearers find the digital Archive much more efficient. It contains every text imaginable, accessible directly through your system."
Fighter scratched the back of his head, offering a sheepish grin. "I... can't use the Archive. I don't have a system."
The Guide froze for a split second. Fighter could see a flicker of genuine shock ripple through the man's aura before his professional mask slid back into place.
"I see," the Guide said, his voice a note higher. "There is a physical repository. You can find it by following the map on your handheld device."
Fighter nodded, his expression turning serious as they continued. I have to find that library. I need to know if this world truly matches the novel, or if I'm walking into a trap. Since I can't access the Archive because of Rachel, the library is my only hope. 'The more you know, the further you go'—or something like that.
[ Keep it down, Maker, ] Rachel's voice rang sharply in his mind. [ You monologue so much that it's a wonder you have any friends at all. Just shut up for a second. Good grief. Ok.]
Fighter winced internally but stayed quiet.
"We have arrived," the Guide announced, gesturing toward a sleek, towering structure. "These are your living quarters."
Fighter looked up, and his breath caught. In his first life, he had grown up in a modest middle-class home. In his second life as Fighter, he had spent more nights than he could count sleeping in dirt or hidden corners.
The building was a brilliant, polished white. It featured expansive living areas, private bathrooms, a modern kitchen, and a balcony that overlooked the campus. The four students assigned to this block would share a common room, a swimming pool, and even a helipad. It was a world away from the slums Kaizer and Fighter had survived.
"You two will reside here," the Guide said, handing them their digital keys. "As of this moment, you are officially students of the UCA. Classes commence next week. Settle in."
As the Guide departed, Fighter turned to Kaizer, who was standing in the middle of his new room, staring at the luxury surrounding him.
"We're living in a mansion, Kaizer," Fighter said, trying to lighten the mood. "What do you think?"
Kaizer ran a hand over the smooth surface of a desk, his expression unreadable. "Yes," he murmured. "You're right. It's... a lot."