World Domination System

13. Level Upgrade!

A few hours later, Leonard got discharged from the hospital, and deep within him, he was already feeling much better than how he was before. 

''Thank you, nurse.'' Helene smiled at the nurse as they stepped out of the reception area of the hospital. 

Leonard's mind was already on the project work they were to do, he really hoped that Susan wasn't angry already because he knew that a lot of time had already gone. It was already dark outside and the only thing they could do was to get an Uber that could take them back home.

''Mum, we need an Uber,'' he said.

''An Uber would be too expensive darling, I'm sure we can get a bus that's going to our route,'' she said.

Leonard stopped for a minute to think about what she had just said. He was quite confused because they were supposed to be going to Madame Diane's house but now she said they were going back to their own home which just confused him all the more.

''We aren't going to Madame Diane's house?'' Leonard asked.

There was a small pause which saw her thinking about it for a while. Leonard didn't know what was happening and he badly wanted to know because everything was very confusing to him at that moment.

''No son, we aren't but we'll be moving at a later date.'' she left it at that.

"But why a later date? I thought we were moving there now?" He pressed.

His mother sighed, looking down at her hands, her head lost in thoughts.

"I still have some things to take care of. When I'm done with that, we can then move." She said.

Leonard didn't bother to say anything anymore because he wasn't even eager to go to her house in the first place and he was so glad that his mother wasn't ready too.

''Okay.'' Leonard said.

Soon, they found a cab and then got home in half an hour. To say he was tired would be an understatement, he was famished. All he wanted to do at that moment was to just sleep it all off.

''Let me quickly make you something to eat,'' Helene said.

''Mom, don't worry about it. I think it's already late and there's really no need for me to eat anymore, don't worry, I'm fine.'' he smiled.

''Are you sure darling?'' she asked.

''Yes Mom, I'm sure,'' he said.

''Okay then, I better hit the bed. Don't stay up too late, okay? Goodnight son.'' she said, kissing him atop his head.

Leonard smiled, happy with himself and his mother. For the first time in a very long while, his mother was in a happy state. 

They had food to eat and more money than they ever had. That was really all he was after and he blessed the day he came in contact with the system. 

Even up until now, he had no idea how and why the system had chosen him. It just happened.

[The system will like to applaud you for your bravery and also inform you about your upgrade to level 3]

''Wow! That’s great news.'' Leonard smiled.

This was the best news he had gotten all day and he knew that with each level rise, so did his income and skills. At that moment, he felt braver than he had ever felt in his life before. 

Edgar was no longer a threat to him and if given the chance, he was determined to take him one on one.

Just as he was about to sleep off on the couch, he remembered that he was supposed to call Susan and explain to her that he couldn't work on the project because something had come up. 

Of course, he knew that he couldn't tell her what exactly had happened and would have to come up with a fabricated lie that could sound sensible to her. 

Picking up his phone that sat beside him, he dialed her number. For the first few moments, it went straight to voicemail before she finally picked up the call.

''I know… I know… I should have called you earlier but something came up,'' he said.

It was only when he called her that he remembered what she had said about taking late-night calls. She had to hide around to do it and he couldn't even blame her for not liking that. 

''Hey, speaking of which, remember that school project we've been working on? I think this new phone could really help us out, I've been researching so much with it."

Susan's enthusiasm matched Leonard's. "Absolutely! We've been struggling with the research part, but with your new phone, we can access all the information we need in no time. We'll ace this project!"

As they discussed their plans for the project, Leonard's tone changed, and he became a little more serious. "Oh, Susan, I forgot to tell you something else. Today, I had a minor accident with a petty thief."

Susan's voice filled with concern. "Oh no, Leonard! Are you okay? What happened?"

Leonard reassured her, "Don't worry, Susan. I'm fine, just a little shaken up. I was walking down the street when this guy tried to grab my phone from my hand. I managed to hold on, but we struggled for a bit. Thankfully, a couple of passersby came to my rescue, and the thief ran off empty-handed." he lied effortlessly.

Susan gasped, her worry palpable. "That sounds terrifying, Leonard. I'm so relieved you're alright. Did you report it to the police?"

Leonard nodded, even though Susan couldn't see him. "Yes, I filed a report with the police. They said they'll look into it, but I don't have high hopes. Anyway, I'm just grateful that it didn't escalate further."

Susan's voice softened. "I'm glad you're safe, Leonard. Please be careful out there. Your safety is more important than any material possession. And if you ever need someone to talk to about it, you know I'm here for you, right?"

Leonard smiled, grateful for Susan's support. "Thanks, Susan. Your friendship means a lot to me. I'm lucky to have you by my side. Now, let's focus on our project. We have some amazing ideas, and with this new phone, we'll be able to talk more and share pointers!"