2023-02-01 01:34:58"No comment," Aiden responds casually.
She smirks knowingly saying, "then why do I feel differently tonight? It feels good having dinner with somebody other than myself these days. And besides, don't worry; whatever happened yesterday won't affect anything moving forward. We'll continue doing business as usual."With a smile, Aiden nods agreeing with everything said thus far. His mind wanders off momentarily thinking over various possibilities regarding his future.Zin gestures to his plate, indicating for him to take the first taste.Seeing the floating digits of the prize it was worth paying attention to its value: $7000.'Why the fuck did I eat this so comfortably in the past?' He asks himself while struggling to pick up the knife and have a slice of the meat.Unable to go through with it, he gets to his feet and walks to a random man sitting nearby.He takes a glance at the man's features briefly noticing he has dark hair cut short along with piercing grayish-brown eyes.Standing beside him, Aiden smiles warmly before placing the plate on the stranger's table. Asking, "would you care to take mine instead please sir? I see your order is not to your liking."Looking surprised, the guy looks confused wondering whether he heard correctly right before accepting the offer. With a nod, he picks up the fork and digs into the dish.Aiden returns to sit next to Zin once he is sure the man is satisfied with his meal.[Merit+1000]"What was that about?" Zin wonders aloud.Shaking his head lightly, Aiden explains, "just being nice to people sometimes helps others forget our differences. Besides, I hoped he would appreciate the meal more."Zin's lips curve into a smile seeing how genuine Aiden could be despite his appearance. "I misjudged you."[Did you do it because you care?]'Could we skip answering your direct question if possible,' Aiden thinks sarcastically. 'You know damn well I didn't!'Pulling out her card reader, Zin places two cards and passes them over to her assistant standing behind her chair.She gets to her feet, "I'd foot the bill today, you owe me, now."As Zin turns away heading towards the door, Aiden calls out to stop her.She turns back around smiling brightly and asking if she needs anything further."Stay as you are, it's for the best," Aiden replies.Although she could not fully understand what made him say those words, she smiles warmly and nods her head.Giving himself a few minutes before getting to his feet, he shoves his hands into his pockets walking out of the restaurant feeling lighter somehow knowing something important would happen.Getting into his car, he drives down the street looking ahead trying hard to focus on the tasks he needs to accomplish.[You figured out why there was an imbalance at your home]Aiden speaks through grit teeth, "if I establish or have established a connection with anyone, if their merits are negative, they prompt an imbalance that opens a portal in Azeroth leading straight here! I wasn't in danger, but rather Kristen was."A frown could easily be seen on his face due to frustration. The idea of meeting up with anyone who he is acquainted with but has a demerit could cause a rift in both worlds and endanger them all.[As you had seen, only you and the individual with the demerit can see these beasts. If there is a crowd, they will only see the effect of the beast's action—the damage done.]"Yet they can die if they are caught in it. What happens then?" Aiden counters.There were too many variables involved, and it had been contained only because it was within his home, and being alone meant no one else could get hurt besides the target.[The attack will be masked under another spell causing a distorted memory of what had transpired among everyone present.]This answer did nothing to ease his mind since it is possible for some people to have a natural resistance against spells cast during battle. It also means someone might remember everything, depending on how quickly they could recover their memory.He continues driving along thinking deeply, 'it's not foolproof.'Pulling over, he takes a glance at a thrift store sign hanging above its entrance.'I can't believe I'm doing this …'Stepping inside, he walks past racks filled with clothing items arranged neatly onto shelves lining either side of the narrow aisle between rows of clothes. There weren't very many customers browsing the merchandise available for purchase.Looking closely enough, he spots several books stacked together near the front counter. Walking closer, he picks up three different titles: How To Win Friends And Influence People, Think Like An Entrepreneur, and Get Rich Quick With Your Businesses.Scoffing at the latter title, he tosses it aside, deciding to spend an hour thinking of a way to spend $100 in the store without actually paying for anything.Ding![You have 9 hours to make payment according to the task set for today.]"Buy used clothing... " His thoughts trail off momentarily staring blankly at the hovering digital clock counting seconds ticking slowly toward mid-day.Like the last time, Lyris will only approve of genuine and valid purchases.Thinking of the best clothing he can find with a $100 budget, he takes a glance at the people, hoping to base his purchase decisions around what others wear most often.His eyes rove across various styles including various styles, designs, and colors.Picking a pair of jeans, two shirts (one black, the other white), and a sweater vest, he makes a calculation of their worth from price tag to current market value based on size and condition. All totaled came close to the perfect sum of the allotted funds.At first, he had been curious as to why he needed an hour instead of a few minutes, however, now seeing the number of shoppers walking about made sense. It would take a measure of skill to convince them he is willing to give it to them."Here I go again." He mutters quietly to himself.–––––––––––[Task complete. Reward points awarded (1 merit point = $0.10).]Aiden stands in front of the cashier, his eyes staring at the translucent screen.'Just $30?' he thinks to himself looking down at the three pieces of paper clutched tightly in hand.After handing the cashier the receipt, he hands back the change plus five dollars extra."Sir?" The cashier asks, confused."I don't need the change, it's best if you can use it." Says Aiden, smiling politely.The lady smiles brightly upon receiving the unexpected bonus. She looks like a mother trying hard to raise children despite having limited resources.[Merit+150]With that said, he turns away heading towards the exit door. As he passes through the glass doors leading outside, he looks behind him noticing everything is suspended in place.Turning quickly, he sees everyone has stopped moving except one man staring at him curiously.Aiden takes a step back, questioning his system, 'What's going on? Who's that?'
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Transmigrated With A Thrifty System 11 – Hostile presence approaching fast!
He notices something familiar about the stranger staring at him—a tall muscular figure wearing dark sunglasses over bright green glowing irises. He appears to be roughly in his thirties.There wasn't much else visible beside the strange eye color; otherwise, he appears normal. No distinguishing features stood out making him look rather nondescript.[Race detected: Aethalinae – Humanoid race][Realm: Earth]'Not fully human, then.' Aiden thinks carefully, deciding not to say anything since nothing seems wrong yet. [The Aethalinae were once humans whose ancestors found a way to cross and live thousands of years ago in Azeroth. They possess magical abilities due to being descendants of a cross-breed of humans and a mythical beast long gone. Their powers included telepathy, teleportation, healing spells, and illusion casting]Pointing upward, the man communicates telepathically, saying, "Beware of the Unseen Assembly!" Then vanishes instantly.A whirring sound echoes throughout the area
Transmigrated With A Thrifty System 12 – Don't get yourself killed
More explosions followed, echoing above street levels. It sounds closer than ever before. Brad glances briefly at Aiden asking, "Are you ready to go?"'That would be no.' Aiden wanted to say but a new message flashed before him.[Ability ready to use][Merit points needed for a grade one ability: 1000]"Aiden?!!!" Brad calls urgently.He quickly responds, "sure I'm ready when you are." Then adds sarcastically, "…as always."They continue walking toward whatever lies beyond those doors. As if following someone else instead of leading the way. They pass countless other groups heading in different directions along various paths winding between buildings.'Lyris, what ability is grade one?' wonders Aiden silently. [Ability unlocked – Enhancer Level 1, Grade One Ability available upon reaching the minimum required merit point total of 1000 points. A tradable skill set includes enhanced strength, speed, stamina, agility, reflexes, durability, and healing factor.][Would you like to activat
Transmigrated With A Thrifty System 13 – How do I go back?
As night falls outside the window overlooking the sea, Brad sits next to Gregg as they chat. Aiden watches intently listening carefully to hear exactly what kind of mission awaits him once arriving at wherever they might end up. After hearing most of the story, he finally speaks up saying, "how long do we have to wait for him?"Brad raises a brow at first, but nods with a smile as he says, "boss sent us here to find you and bring you back alive…" then his eyes narrow as he continues, "or die doing our duty protecting humanity. . ."Their conversation ends abruptly when the sound of footsteps coming upstairs reaches their ears. They all get to their feet turning towards the stairs expecting whoever walks past must belong either to security or staff working overnight shifts somewhere downstairs. But neither appear anywhere close nor does anyone walk further down. Instead, they slowly make their way farther up, stopping short when seeing six sets of glowing red orbs glaring intensely a
Transmigrated With A Thrifty System 14 – She can help you, but at a price
There wasn't ever any mention before receiving instructions to come meet Mr. Smith. No details were given whatsoever concerning the nature of his assignment or possible dangers involved. All inquiries went unaddressed resulting in confusion.'Lyris' stats, please.' Aiden inquires, hoping to get a clear idea of his current progress or lack of it.–––––––––––[Name: Aiden Lancaster][Gender: Male][Age: 22][Level: 1][Height: 180cm][Inventory: 1][Spending Quota: $129700][Merit points: 1150][Ability: Enhancer]–––––––––––He looks down in disappointment, realizing that the restrictive spending quota could yield no positive results if he doesn't find a way to invest in something worthwhile.'I need to focus on earning my cash, that way I won't have to rely on my system.' He thinks with a smile. He takes a stroll through the streets, admiring the architecture surrounding him. Buildings rise high overhead towering over other buildings built centuries ago. Streets wind endlessly upwar
Transmigrated With A Thrifty System 15 – I have what you seek
'How long have I known Rufus, Lyris?' Aiden inquires nervously staring at the lady who glares daggers directly into his eyes daring him to make trouble.[Two years in Azeroth]Answers Lyris, suddenly interrupting his train of thought.'Two goddamn years?! What the hell was my alternative version doing here at the time?!' Aiden exclaims in his thoughts.Rufus notices a change in his demeanor and continues shouting saying, "Don't play dumb with me jerk! We're done playing games together! If you think you got balls showing up here trying to act tough, you have to tell me why you came knocking on my damn doorstep!"'Does she have a name that only both of us know?' Aiden questions wondering how much time will pass before she realizes she's talking to Aiden with little recollection of the major events that led to their current situation. [She goes by the name of Rufus which is her codename. Her real identity is Risa Lan. She's been working undercover in this city for over two years now, but
Transmigrated With A Thrifty System 16 – You can ride my dragon. . . I'm no saint
In Collow,"Can I open my eyes? It feels like they've been closed forever," Risa whispers softly, hoping Aiden might answer back right away.They had crossed the dimension and into a lonely alley several miles from where Aiden's home is located.The sun's rays were beginning to set, casting long shadows across the ground and buildings surrounding them, giving the area a gloomy appearance that made it seem more dangerous than it is.'I can see so many things wrong with this situation,' Aiden thinks to himself, 'but I'm too tired to care if there might be consequences.'After all, Risa had helped him get back to Collow, and with her, he could constantly switch between both realms at his convenience.Ding![You may choose between three options: Not interested, Budding friendship, or In Love. You must select within five minutes or lose the option forever. (Choose wisely.)]'You naughty system...' Aiden teases Lyris and shakes his head with a smile before responding immediately, 'budding fr
Transmigrated With A Thrifty System 17 – You're so wet for me, already?
A few minutes ago,Risa rests her back against her bedroom wall while listening intently for any signs of movement outside her room before finally deciding she will bathe and carry out her plan to seduce her best friend without having to worry about being interrupted by anyone other than herself. Hurriedly bathing under the warm stream of hot water pouring from the faucet and drying off afterward using one of the towels hanging from the rack beside the tub. Risa makes sure to have on nothing but a pair of green lace panties underneath the towel. She then puts on a brown robe overtop, tying its belt tightly around her waist just below where it meets between her breasts making it look more appealing.She takes a deep breath and sighs softly, feeling nervous about what is about to take place, as well as how much courage it will require to do so.After slipping on some black slippers, Risa opens the door and steps into the hallway, closing it behind her with an audible click followed by
Transmigrated With A Thrifty System 18 – So warm... so tight
[R-18]Risa nods slowly, biting down hard onto his shoulder while closing her eyes, letting out an audible moan, hoping he would take advantage of this moment since they had made such a deal earlier today, but also knowing that he may be hesitant due to this being a condition she had set.Aiden smirks as he removes Risa's panties in a single motion, leaving her completely naked before standing up off the bed and walking toward his music system which is located near the window overlooking the city below.With one tap on the screen, Aiden turns up the volume loud enough to drown out any noise coming from outside the room and then walks back towards where he left her, placing his hand gently against her back as he guides her to lay back against his pillows.He then kneels beside her, placing his hand over her stomach, moving it down until he reaches her inner thigh where he places his palm flat against her skin."Do you want me to stop if you don't like what I'm doing to you?" He asks wit
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155 - Promises Kept, A New Path Begins
Raymond didn't miss the nervous look in Aiden's eyes, and he gestured to the waitress, indicating for two more coffees. "Don't look so worried, Aiden," he began, leaning back in his chair. "I'm not here to stir up trouble, quite the opposite, in fact."Aiden gave a small laugh, rubbing the back of his neck. "You have a knack for popping up unexpectedly, Raymond," he said, meeting the older man's gaze. Raymond chuckled, a sound that reminded Aiden of crunching autumn leaves. "Guilty as charged," he admitted. "But it's the only way to catch you off guard, isn't it?"The two men shared a smile, the ice of formality finally beginning to thaw. When their coffees arrived, Aiden took a moment to appreciate the smell, the warmth of the cup soothing his nerves.Raymond's knowing smile widened as he caught sight of the green card. "I see you've been putting that to good use," he said, pouring a cup of coffee for Aiden. "Now tell me, how have you been?"Aiden hesitated for a moment, not sure wh
154 - We meet again
Four months had passed since their wedding, and it had been nothing short of bliss. Aiden recalled, a month after his marriage, he had the privilege of being the best man at Gregg's wedding to Zin. It was another day of joy and friendship, another day of unforgettable memories. As he watched his friend recite his vows, he couldn't help but feel a sense of profound happiness. It was as if life had come full circle, their shared dreams finally coming true.Now, Aiden found himself in the grandeur of his living room, the plush furnishings reflecting his luxurious lifestyle. His gaze lingered on a group photo from his own wedding that hung on the wall, the silver frame capturing the raw, unfiltered happiness of that day. James, the ever-loyal butler, had snapped the photo, capturing a moment of pure joy, their faces alive with laughter and love.A smile tugged at his lips as his eyes scanned the faces in the frame-his radiant wife, Risa, Gregg, Zin, and Mr. Smith. It was a precious mement
153 - Beautiful memories!!!
From the beautiful ceremony that echoed the purity of their love to the lively reception that followed, everything was truly enchanting. The laughter, the joy, the well-wishes, everything contributed to creating an ambiance of happiness and love.As the guests filled the beautifully decorated hall, the after-party began in earnest. The buffet tables were laden with an array of delicious food, while the bar was stocked with all sorts of drinks, catering to everyone's preference.Zin, in her elegant emerald green gown, was fluttering around Risa like a protective mother hen. She was diligently making sure that Risa was comfortable, frequently asking if she needed anything. Her worry was transparent, her gaze constantly darting to Risa's small belly. Risa, although touched by her friend's concern, found it amusing and gently assured her that she was fine.Amidst the laughter and conversations, Gregg detached himself from the crowd and moved towards Aiden, who was seated at a table with M
152 - A special day to celebrate our union
A week had passed since that day, the culmination of which was their big day, the day of their wedding. It was a day that echoed the magnificence of their love for one another. The wedding venue was the most eccentric hall in all of Collow. It was an architectural marvel, a symphony of nature and architecture that combined grandeur and simplicity in a harmonious blend. Tall, impressive stone columns held up the lofty, wooden ceiling, creating an ambiance of grandeur. The hall was filled with the beautiful scent of fresh pine, lavender, and honeysuckle, creating an earthy, calming aura that reflected their shared love for nature. The vast windows draped in flowing sheer curtains allowed the sunlight to filter in, casting a warm, ethereal glow over the space.The wedding was filled with countless guests, all eagerly awaiting the arrival of the bride. The air buzzed with anticipation as soft music filled the room. The melodious notes of the violin and piano created a magical, enchantin
151 - Right now, I need you
The news of their forthcoming child was still fresh in their minds as they sat down to discuss their imminent wedding. The room was filled with a sense of exhilaration, excitement, and anticipation. The huge dining table was strewn with various wedding catalogs, color palettes, floral arrangements, and tentative guest lists. Risa, brimming with an ethereal glow from her pregnancy, was a picture of excited expectancy. Her green eyes sparkled with a mix of joy and anxiety, her fingers fluttering across the catalog pages as she attempted to decide on the most fitting color code for their nuptials."Aiden, what do you think of this one?" She pointed towards a palette that was an array of earthy colors, inspired by nature.Aiden leaned over to see what she was indicating, his gaze falling on the hues of deep forest green, soft brown, and a touch of gold. He studied it for a moment, his blue eyes reflecting the colors she chose."It's perfect, Risa. It truly reflects who we are, connected
150 - A perfect fit
[R-18]'When am I never ready?' Gregg replied in his thoughts, but instead of going along that line of thought, he gave her a tender smile as he brushed her hair away from her face and planted soft kisses on her cheeks and along her jawline."You're my dream girl." He whispered softly into her sensitive ears.Zin's breath caught in her throat as she looked at Gregg with a surprised smile. He had said that to her countless times before in different ways and situations, but it felt different coming from him now. He wasn't saying it because it was something he wanted her to do. It was simply how he saw her.With an easy grace, Zin disrobed, letting her clothes fall to the floor until she was wearing nothing but a sheer white slip of lingerie that accentuated her curves and accentuated her light pink nipples that were already hardening beneath the thin fabric. "Must have been the flour and grease on them," Zin teased with a playful smirk, stripping off the remaining clothing as quickly a
149 - You're both going to be parents soon?!
"Is everything alright, Risa?" she asked, her tone hinting at her worry. "You've never declined wine before. Is there a reason you're saying no tonight?"Risa glanced at Aiden, an unspoken question flickering in her gaze. Aiden gave her a reassuring smile, a silent signal for her to share their secret. "I'm not feeling unwell or anything," Risa began, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's just that...I... we... are expecting."The room fell silent, as if the words had sucked the air right out of it. Zin blinked, looking between Risa and Aiden, trying to comprehend the gravity of the news. Meanwhile, Gregg stared at Aiden, his eyes wide with shock."Expecting?" Zin repeated, her mind racing to decode Risa's words. But then it clicked, and she let out a startled gasp. "You mean...you're pregnant?"Risa nodded, a shy smile playing on her lips. "Three weeks along."Aiden reached for Risa's hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. He looked at her with such warmth, his eyes sparkling with
148 - You've never declined wine before, why now?
The shadows began to stretch across the rooms of the quaint duplex that Zin and Gregg called home as the golden tendrils of the afternoon sun began to retreat for the day. In the heart of their dwelling, Zin's culinary skills were on full display in their small but well-equipped kitchen. The tantalizing aroma of a home-cooked meal filled the air, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. In contrast, Gregg's domain was the dining area, where he was meticulously attending to every detail. He nervously adjusted the tablecloth, smoothed out non-existent creases, and repositioned the silverware for what felt like the hundredth time."Gregg," Zin's voice carried from the kitchen, filled with a lighthearted teasing note, "You're going to wear holes into the tablecloth if you continue fussing over it like that."A sheepish grin spread across Gregg's face at Zin's playful comment. "I just want to ensure everything is perfect, Zin," he replied, his voice shaky. "Aiden's accustomed to high-end,
147 - You got yourself a deal
A smile, brimming with mischief, gradually began to play across the features of Aiden. The playful glint in his eyes danced as he declared in a voice imbued with teasing suspense, "I'm not going to share that with you." Without any further ado, he reached into his pocket, pulled out a small box with intricate detailing, and handed it over to Gregg, who was visibly caught in the throes of anticipation.Gregg accepted the box with a sense of curiosity bordering on fascination. He gingerly opened the lid, and his pupils dilated in astonishment as they beheld the singular object nestled within the folds of velvet that lined the box. Inside lay a shimmering golden card that reflected the soft ambient light in a playful dance of colors, emphasizing the meticulous engraving of a stylized dragon that marked its surface. The card was encased in a pristine white border, upon which bold, black words stood out in striking contrast: 'What you seek is within.'Aiden, struggling to contain his amus
