LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter 29 - Standing Alone 1
Chapter 29: Standing Alone 1
After spending some time casually at a café, Oriana took me to a place quite far from the Kowloon residential area.
Fira, the aunt who loves teasing me, seemed eager to follow Oriana and me.
‘Alice, I also want to come along with you two!’
‘Fira, you still haven’t finished the pioneering team’s expedition report.’
‘Ah, that’s true….’
I didn’t know exactly what the pioneering team did, but according to Oriana, they were the strongest force of the Barrier Agency, tasked with going beyond Ark’s outer wall to face unknown calamities.
If you compared them to adventurers from the previous world, they would be akin to pioneers of a new continent or the vanguard of the demon realm, and Fira seemed to play the role of a commander-in-chief or a shock troop leader, albeit on a smaller scale.
Her appearance—a playful noblewoman who loved tea time—made me think she was just a tax officer or someone who handled public grievances. However, it was surprising to learn that she was a First-Class Overseer in the vanguard of the pioneering team.
It didn’t seem like Fira had gotten her rank as First-Class Overseer through mere connections or shortcuts.
‘Alice, the reason you haven’t called me “sister” today must be because I lack the virtues and dignity required of an elder sister! The next time we meet, you must call me “sister”! Ohohoho!’
Leaving such words, Fira disappeared somewhere in a hurry. It didn’t seem like her claim of having work was an excuse.
Honestly, I didn’t see any reason why I couldn’t call Fira “sister.”
In this life, I’m an android in a feminine form anyway.
Gender doesn’t really matter to me, and as long as I keep my mouth shut, no one will know I was a male Demon King in my past life.
Still, not calling her “sister” was a matter of my own stubbornness.
Besides, it was fun to see her reaction when I teased her intentionally.
If I had truly crossed the line and come off as rude, Fira might have genuinely been angry. However, despite the frustration in her eyes, there was also a hint of enjoyment.
If I had misjudged her, the First-Class Overseer would probably have split my head vertically.
The fact that she entertained my antics until the end showed she had enjoyed it as well.
Unlike the bustling other tiers of Kowloon, crowded with people and tightly packed brick-like housing, this area was so quiet that it seemed almost devoid of life.
When thinking of secluded areas, I was reminded of the lower Magrid tier with its poor security. However, the air here wasn’t murky, and the people I occasionally saw were more like ordinary citizens with good impressions than criminals.
Considering the population density of the Kowloon residential area, individual houses seemed out of the question, yet the buildings here were spaced out and somehow attached to thin pillars or metallic suspension bridges, as if dangling like fruits on a tree.
From afar, it resembled a massive tree with large fruits dangling from its branches, reminiscent of the World Tree.
“A wall?”
While comfortably flying in Oriana’s embrace, conserving energy, I spotted a massive wall.
It was so enormous that it seemed capable of enclosing the entirety of the vast Kowloon residential area and then some.
I observed the wall carefully, but I couldn’t see its ceiling or its bottom.
It might even extend far lower than the lower Magrid tier.
“It’s Ark’s outer wall. A gigantic barrier that protects the city.”
According to Oriana, Ark is structured like a matryoshka doll, with a central core encircled by numerous layers of tiers.
The outermost boundary is this enormous wall, created with a mix of advanced technology, magic engineering, enchantments, and barrier techniques.
“The wall perfectly protects Ark from external calamities and monsters. If you’re going to become a Hunter, Alice, you’ll see it frequently.”
“What do you mean?”
“A Hunter’s main role is to go beyond that wall and deal with the monsters outside. Since the world is divided by these walls, you’ll be seeing them whether you like it or not.”
“Ah, I see.”
I began to understand why this area had such a drastically lower population density compared to the Kowloon residential area.
This was the Hunters’ zone.
According to Oriana, the title of an Ultima-grade Returnee is much more significant than I had initially thought.
It’s awarded to those with exceptional potential and power, possessing deeply human-centered personalities and outstanding moral and ethical qualities, making it easier for them to adapt to Ark and significantly contribute to its future.
The grade itself is essentially a form of citizenship. ..The one I received is probably the equivalent of first-class citizenship.
In the past, it was said that only combat ability levels were divided like those of Hunters, but Ark is humanity’s last bastion and final ark.
It wouldn’t make sense for Ark to accept crazy individuals with broken personalities.
That’s why the grade of a Returnee is not only based on their combat power but also on their ethical perspective, according to Oriana’s explanation.
Normally, it’s common to receive grades like “Normal,” “Outstanding,” or “Unique,” while in rare cases, grades like “Exceptional,” “Dangerous,” or “Hostile” are assigned.
However, an Ultima (Ultimate) grade Returnee is said to be extremely rare.
How rare?
Figures like the founder of the Energy Corporation, which supplies Ark with power and energy, or the first administrator—historic individuals—are said to be Ultima-grade Returnees.
Anyway, the important thing is that I am an Ultima-grade Returnee, entitled to all sorts of benefits.
“Alright, we’ve arrived.”
The place where Oriana set me down was a building about three stories high.
The exterior was quite clean, suggesting it was a newly constructed building.
Even the paint job was nicely done.
“Let’s go in.”
When I followed Oriana inside, there was no one there.
The interior was as clean as the outside, but it didn’t look like a government office like the Barrier Agency.
Instead, it resembled a family home.
A single bed.
A wardrobe.
A holographic television.
There was a kitchen with a refrigerator and even a bathroom.
“Here it is. This is your home now.”
Wait, really?
“…You’re giving me a house? Just like that?”
“Yes, because you’re an Ultima-grade Returnee. You deserve at least this much convenience.”
“…Wow!”
In my first life, even after all that overtime and exploitation, I couldn’t achieve the dream of owning my own home…!
“It’s not entirely free.”
Of course, I figured as much.
“Ultima-grade is a rank given under the assumption that your very existence benefits Ark. So, while Ark provides you with housing, a basic salary, and various tax benefits, it’s now up to you to maintain it.”
“If I want to keep the house, I have to earn money and diligently pay taxes, right?”
“Exactly. Electricity bills, energy management fees, water bills, and rent—all of it is on you. If it’s too much, you can quit being a Hunter and live with me instead.”
At Oriana’s words, I shook my head.
If I wanted a stable and comfortable life, I could live with Oriana, assisting her in her work as an Overseer.
In that case, though it would take time, I could become an official successor and take the position of Overseer in seven years.
But I, as well as Oriana, who had her own expectations of me, had no intention of living such a dull and repetitive life.
This world of Ark is full of machines, technologies, engineering, and magic I have never seen before.
The AI of the Barrier Agency was imbued with all sorts of magic and technology, and the design of the entire city itself was built with technology beyond my imagination.
Even so, humanity has yet to venture beyond the outer wall, and the outside is teeming with calamities.
How could my heart not race at the thought?
Traveling and experiencing a new world entirely on my own strength and effort is the kind of romance and joy I live for.
No matter how dangerous it is, it’s worth it.
Just exploring this city makes my heart race, and the thought of overcoming unknown dangers with my own hands makes it beat even faster.
“I’ve already made my decision. I won’t change my mind.”
“Alright. That’s good.”
As Oriana spoke, she tossed something to me.
I caught it in midair with one hand, finding it to be a silver-coated, ash-colored card of some sort.
Inside, it had my name and what appeared to be this place’s address written on it.
“It’s the house key. From this moment on, this is officially yours.”
A smile crept onto my face without me realizing it.
Owning my own house came much sooner than I expected.
I had thought I’d have to live leeching off Oriana’s electricity like a parasite, but having my own place felt unexpectedly satisfying.
“But isn’t this house a bit big for one person?”
“I don’t know how Alice plans to approach dungeons and Gates, but you won’t always be alone, will you? If you get party members or tenants, you can let them use the spare rooms here. You could even charge rent.”
“Wow, really?”
“Although there probably aren’t many people who’d want to stay in such a dangerous Hunter zone.”
Indeed, while Hunters are glamorized in Ark, in reality, they’re far from ordinary people.
High-ranking Hunters may carry out joint missions with Overseers and fulfill noble duties as part of the Pioneering Team to confront calamities for Ark’s sake.
However, over 90% of Hunters are so different from civilians that they’re practically alien.
Some Ark citizens even call them a gang of thugs with power.
There are also rumors of monsters and creatures from outside the wall occasionally appearing near the outer perimeter.
“Oh, here. This too.”
Oriana handed me something resembling a wristwatch.
“It’s a smartwatch. It’s linked to the bank account where your allowance will be deposited, and it also provides access to the internal internet.”
“It looks expensive…”
“Fira asked me to give it to you as a housewarming gift.”
Since when did she prepare something like this…
I don’t know when I’ll meet Fira again, but I’ll make sure to thank her when I do.
“My contact and Fira’s are both saved in there, so if you’re ever in urgent need or need help, reach out.”
“Thanks.”
“I’ve also arranged for meal kits to be delivered from the Barrier Agency. You just need to use the cooking equipment in the kitchen. If you need clothes, I can give you some of my old ones. Plus, there’s a handbook for Ark Returnees adapting to the city…”
Even as she spoke, Oriana seemed a bit hesitant.
Although we hadn’t known each other long, I was undeniably Oriana’s successor.
From now on, I’d have to handle Hunter life on my own without Oriana’s help.
My goal was to seek out dangerous and challenging missions to establish my “achievements.”
Though I’m a Returnee, sending a young girl off to live as a Hunter on her own clearly weighed on Oriana’s mind.
In truth, I owe Oriana an unpayable debt of gratitude for all the kindness she’s shown me.
The Ultima grade I received was essentially thanks to Oriana and her connections pushing it through.
What should have taken nearly a month for Returnee evaluation, she shortened to three days.
The luckiest part of this third life of mine was meeting Oriana as the first person.
“Alice, you really have to let me know if you need help, okay? I know I’m the one saying this, but being a young girl trying to live as a Hunter in Ark isn’t easy.”
“Don’t worry. Oriana has already seen that I’m not weak. Besides, aren’t you behind on work? A First-Class Overseer can’t have that much free time, right?”
Oriana, of course, couldn’t have much time to spare.
She went out of her way to make arrangements for me, even visiting the Barrier Agency and calling someone as high-ranking as an Administrator.
It was now truly time for her to return to her duties.
“Sigh… Fine, I get it. I’ll be going now.”
With those final words, Oriana waved goodbye and left.
I waved goodbye in return, and with Oriana gone, this house became entirely mine.
Well then…
-Zzzt!
“Gasp…!”
Time to taste the electricity!
【Current energy capacity: 98.3%】
【Charging deemed unnecessary, Human.】
“Hehe, ugh. I still need to check if the charging works properly… Haha.”
【That is not incorrect. Valid judgment confirmed.】
【Brain synapse connection initiated.】
【Cerebral deep management device activated.】
【Excess parts redistributed.】
【Conducting physical inspection with remaining power.】
“Hehe, haha…”
As Theresa inspected and examined my body using the surplus energy, I decided to fully savor the electricity in my new home.
For the record, the electricity here tasted like white milk.
Although I was a bit worried about the electricity bill, I was just tasting it, and my energy capacity was quite large, so this should be fine.
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The next day.
I received a horrifying electricity bill marked with three skulls.
“Dammit, the Energy Corporation bastards work ridiculously fast.”
【I anticipated this outcome, Human.】
Hey, you were the one happily using the electricity for body inspections and whatnot!