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 at them from above.

'Friend or foe, Lyris?' Aiden inquiries from his system.

[They are friendly beings known as 'Lurkers', I've never seen one like these though…they're not supposed to exist anymore according to my current database records.]

Before Aiden could assure his friends that everything should go smoothly if they aren't provoked, Gregg yells out something unintelligible causing two Lurker heads to turn toward him; both hands gripping onto weapons hidden under robes hanging loosely over shoulders.

"Gregg, would you mind shutting up? We don't want trouble." Aiden says, trying to calm him, but nothing seems able to stop Greg.

Gregg's voice rises even higher still as he demands to know how they had managed to sneak inside the building undetected since everyone else has already gone through a thorough search upon entering.

One of the Lurkers tilts his head as he asks, "you don't know us yet, friend?" His tone sounds curious rather than threatening. The other two remain silent watching closely.

Gregg stops talking suddenly realizing he might have misunderstood the situation.

"Come with us..." The Lurkers say again motioning behind themselves. They lead the group deeper within, passing several doors along hallways leading off in various directions. Each door opens automatically every few steps allowing access beyond. It takes some effort to keep pace because none seem willing to slow down despite being asked repeatedly throughout the journey.

Finally reaching another set of double glass panes, the three men step aside letting the team of three pass ahead.

Slam!

Gregg has a jumpscare moment staring wide-eyed at the large door.

Brad shakes his head and pats his friend's shoulder as he whispers into his ear, "don't be a wuss man!" Then turns away laughing.

Once safely passed, they follow suit making sure nobody lingers too far enough to be left behind. Once clear, they continue walking straight forward following the path laid out before them.

It doesn't take much longer before finding themselves Inside a large circular chamber filled with rows of desks lined against walls covered in computer monitors displaying different screens showing live feeds around the globe.

"We're here…" Brad announces in a whisper.

Stepping out of the shadows, Mr. Smith stands tall wearing black slacks and a white button shirt tucked neatly beneath a dark blue jacket adorned across his broad chest. In contrast, his blonde hair remains perfectly styled and parted evenly between the right side parting slightly below the center. With piercing green eyes peering directly at Aiden standing beside Gregg, he smiles warmly at him.

"You have a striking resemblance to your father," states Mr. Smith, as well adding, "I'm glad you made it safe."

Turning to face the others, his expression changes instantly becoming stern.

Brad and Gregg lower their heads respectfully, bowing deeply. As always, Aiden stays quiet waiting patiently for someone to speak. When silence persists, he decides to break the ice himself asking, "… why was I specially summoned?"

Mr. Smith looks confused momentarily, shaking his head as if lost in thought. Finally answering, he replies, "because you were chosen."

He pauses briefly looking thoughtful, rubbing his chin as he thinks about whether or not to reveal anything else.

Brad and Gregg give a final bow before walking back to give them some space.

Mr. Smith sits on one of the chairs lining the wall facing the desk area. Standing near the entrance, Aiden waits quietly wondering what sort of test lies ahead. There isn't anybody present except for those guarding the front gate, meaning whatever happens now won't affect anyone besides him unless told otherwise.

"Have a seat..." Mr. Smith gestures to the chair opposite his own. "We have a lot to discuss tonight."

–––––––––––

An hour later,

Aiden steps out of the room feeling drained and mentally exhausted having spent hours sitting silently during questioning.

Now alone, he makes his way quickly to the elevator taking him to ground level. Walking briskly, he passes numerous people going in many directions and heading elsewhere. Most look busy rushing to complete tasks assigned to them by their superiors. Others simply stare blankly at passersby, perhaps thinking thoughts best kept private.

At least half of the population appears human, although quite possibly enhanced genetically due to advanced medical treatments available in Draenor.

'Lyris, how do I switch between worlds?' Aiden questions.

[You need a gold coin with a dragon insignia imprinted on it, similar to the one found the first time you were in this world, to travel freely among dimensions. You may also use coins found lying around the city, however, they tend to disappear easily depending on their condition]

He leans on the wall, before asking, "what happens in my world?"

[Time moves slower on earth compared to Azeroth, all that's needed is an alibi to explain missing days or weeks—a simple lie works fine]

Aiden lets out a sigh of relief and stops in his tracks, leaning heavily against the stone surface. This information helps ease his worries somewhat knowing he'll eventually catch up with events happening back home. However, it leaves plenty unanswered regarding future plans.

He leans on a stone wall while wondering aloud, 'what am I meant to accomplish here?'