Ethereal Ascendance: A Journey of Transformation

Five years later.

"Hello, my name is Flynn. Here is my resume and portfolio."

I am currently in a job interview, feeling nervous as I hand over my prepared documents to the interviewer. As an average graduate from a local university, I anxiously await the interviewer's response.

"Hmm..."

The interviewer takes some time to look through the documents before finally looking up.

"I've gone through your resume, and it seems well-written, and your portfolio is decent. However, your major doesn't align with our recruitment needs. Moreover, I feel that someone as talented as you might be underutilized in our company..."

Upon hearing this, my heart, which was hanging on a thread, instantly drops. Based on my past interview experiences, this is essentially a polite rejection. It looks like another failed attempt at securing a job.

The subsequent conversation is mostly small talk.

...

"You can wait for our decision at home."

The conclusion comes too quickly, too predictably. The interviewer's last words linger in my mind as I walk out of the building, deeply disappointed. How many companies have rejected me since graduation? I've lost count. The glaring sunlight makes me a bit dizzy. Feeling my empty stomach, I recall the last time I had a proper meal was a day ago.

I must eat...

Thinking about food, I can't help but sigh. Ever since I left home and moved to this place, I can only afford one meal a day to save money for rent. The landlord doesn't allow cooking, and to make matters worse, even high-powered appliances are prohibited. So, I have to eat outside every day, but living in this city is expensive. With only a temporary job at a supermarket, I can hardly afford the daily expenses. Additionally, I recently moved, and the previous landlord withheld my entire deposit, claiming it was for the medical expenses of an elder. Reporting it to the police didn't help.

...Considering the moving costs and other expenses, I'm practically penniless now. Looking at the contact list on my phone, I scroll through names, crossing out one after another. After hesitating for a while, I decide to make a call home...

"Hello!" My mom's familiar voice. It's been a while since I went home. I nervously explain my situation.

"Ha? Borrow money? You're a grown-up in your twenties, and you dare to ask for money from home? You have hands, feet, a head, and a face; can't you earn for yourself? We don't have money at home! Are you sick or something!"

The phone hangs up with a snap. I look at my phone with a wry smile. My mom's words are not entirely wrong, but there's a chilly tone in her voice. Unable to borrow money, what am I going to do next? The thought of being kicked out by the landlord and facing such a situation in the future makes me feel like I'm falling into a vortex of despair.

Reluctantly, I pick up my phone and look at the names in the contact list. My gaze stops at a familiar name.

Perhaps he's the only one in this world who can help me...

After a long internal struggle, I scratch my head in distress and press the call button.

"Dudu—dudu—"

After a long wait, someone finally picks up.

"Is this Flynn?"

It's that cheerful male voice, accompanied by a noisy background and faint laughter.

"I am..."

"I know. Long time no see. Finally remembered to call me? How are you now?"

Yes, he is Reilly, a classmate who transferred to our high school class. Hearing his voice, I suddenly feel a bit breathless.

"I... I need to borrow some money, not much..." Due to lack of confidence, my voice becomes smaller. This is not the first time I'm borrowing money, and past experiences have made me understand how challenging it is to borrow money in society.

"No problem! Where are you? I'll come over right now."

His response is unexpected. Huh huh huh, so straightforward? Happiness comes too suddenly. I can't help but feel a surge of energy, quickly telling him my location. Finally, I can relax and focus on dealing with the food of the day.

Thinking back, although Reilly and I are not particularly close, he has always seemed to take special care of me over the years. Recalling the years of acquaintance with him, it seems he has never refused any of my requests for help.

This makes it intriguing. If it were someone else, considering the strange situation when we first met, one might think he has some ulterior motives. However, through years of interaction, I am confident that it's just a false proposition.

Because I am a poor university graduate with no money or power, often hungry, and although I consider myself average-looking, I'm far from matching this guy. What could he possibly gain from me? Perhaps this can only prove that Reilly is a genuinely generous person.

Although when Reilly transferred to our class in high school, it was quite sudden, the subsequent developments told me that he was just a handsome, wealthy playboy. Reilly's father is a well-known CEO of an enlisted company in the city. In other words, he is a rich second-generation. When he first came to our class, his extravagant spending, outstanding looks, and good grades quickly attracted the attention of a large number of female students in the school, not just in our class, even in other classes.

This became a bit scary. In just a week of transfer, rumors about him having affairs with three female classmates circulated within the school. And that's not all; a few weeks later, through secret gossip among classmates, I heard news of him staying in a hotel with the class beauty. Shortly after, news of changing girlfriends again spread like wildfire.

A series of rapid actions left people bewildered. In a short month, Reilly became the undisputed romantic expert and prince charming in the class, known by various nicknames such as the Prince of Flames, Prince of Guns, and more.

What's surprising is that in a school with so many rumors flying around, no teacher or class teacher has ever given him trouble. It's a bit embarrassing to realize how well-connected he must be.

As a classmate, our communication was limited in the beginning. Our conversations were few, and although many classmates often flattered him due to his family background, I didn't bother to do so.

Until one day, I escaped from home again because I couldn't stand my parents' violence.

"Hey, isn't this Flynn? What are you doing here? What a coincidence."

Because it was lunchtime, I was hiding in a street-side garden, lost in thought. Suddenly, I heard Reilly's familiar voice.

"Isn't my home nearby? Why can't I be here!"

I replied without much kindness. I remember the last time I met him was in a similar situation, feeling a bit embarrassed; who knows, he might see me in a humiliating state again. "Aren't you living in the south of the city? This place is far from there, right?"

The south of the city is considered the wealthy area in the eyes of the locals. Reilly's home is there, and almost everyone in the class knows it.

"Ha, it's the weekend today. Of course, I have to come out and stroll around. Sitting in the classroom every day is so boring. Don't you feel stifled?"

Reilly scratched his head, and it's rare not to see other people around. There are usually a few girls hanging around him.

The words are not wrong, but on normal weekends, I have many things to do at home, like housework and assignments. I don't have the luxury to come out and play like this wealthy guy. I just broke a plate while cooking, which resulted in my running out without eating.

Just then, my stomach made an uncontrollable "gurgle" sound...

"How about... having lunch together?"

Reilly asked tentatively. It's clear he heard it, and I feel a bit embarrassed.

Things seem to be going beyond my expectations. I was about to refuse him when he acted as if nothing happened, coming over and putting his arm around my shoulder in a familiar manner, decisively deciding this matter.

"I'll treat you, no need to be polite. I just found a nice restaurant. Let's go together."

"Uh..."

I wanted to resist, but the feeling of hunger quickly made me give in. In any case, I can't waste someone else's treat, especially from a guy who's usually extravagant. I also don't need to worry about saving money for him.

"Is the nice restaurant you mentioned M Archway?"

I take big bites of the hamburger, which tastes good. Since I skipped breakfast, I've already devoured three chicken wings.

"Haha, the taste of this M Archway is much better than others. I really like it!"

Reilly explains with some embarrassment. Actually, in this area with many main roads, there are few restaurants you can find, and most shops are concentrated in crossroads or alleys, mainly because the rent is cheaper.

"Is that so? I thought they were all the same." I rarely eat this kind of Western fast food, and I can't discern much difference.

"Well, are you full now? I know a place with a great view. How about accompanying me there?"

Uh, is he inviting me to play? It feels a bit strange, but I can't decline after someone has treated me, right?

I look at Reilly sitting opposite me, holding only a small bag of fries. I can't help but marvel at this guy's lack of appetite.

"Alright, as long as it's not too far. Where is it?" I burp contentedly and clap my hands.

"Of course, it's nearby!"