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Chapter 9 - Stepping Outside After Nine Years

After spending a few hours talking with the system, Aziz decided to sleep.

Upon waking up, he resumed the same routine as always: breakfast, training, a bath, then back to sleep.

This cycle continued for three years, until one day, Aziz made a request that caught Astrid and Isis completely off guard.

"I want to go out for a bit. I've spent too much time inside the house," Aziz said right after finishing breakfast.

Upon hearing that, both Astrid and even Isis — who always stayed by his side — disagreed without hesitation.

"Why do you need to go out? It's better to stay safe inside, with your family, my baby," Astrid said with a hurt expression.

"Yes, young master, wait until you're older and better able to protect yourself," Isis added, opposing him for the first time.

Seeing how quickly they rejected his idea, Aziz couldn't help but chuckle softly.

"Why are you acting like I'll never come back? I just want to go out for a bit. I've been inside this house for nine years. I don't even know what the world out there looks like," he said with a playful tone.

Thinking back on it, Astrid realized her baby had truly never set foot outside, even after all those years. Still, she didn't feel guilty.

"Come on, it's not like I'm going alone. You two are coming with me," Aziz reminded them, grinning.

Hearing that, the expressions on both women's faces lit up with joy.

"Hehe, I knew my baby wouldn't leave us behind. Let's go change our clothes," Astrid said, relieved, as she and Isis dragged Aziz back to the room.

After getting dressed in elegant outfits that matched perfectly, the trio made their way to the front door.

Standing outside for the first time, Aziz looked around, mesmerized by the view.

Their home was built atop a mountain with a breathtaking view of a lush forest below. By channeling mana into his eyes, Aziz saw towering trees in vibrant colors, glowing with a mysterious light.

Pouring in more mana and activating \[Keen Sight] — one of the skills he had unlocked through three years of intense training — he managed to spot small animals, and even a few creatures he assumed were mana beasts.

But just as he was enjoying the scenery, he felt a strange sensation — as if someone were watching him. He turned his head slowly from right to left, searching for the gaze locked on him, but couldn't find anything.

Shrugging it off, he made up his mind.

"Alright, let's head down. I want to walk through the forest. Just a little adventure," he said, glancing at his mother, who smiled sweetly in agreement.

The descent wasn't tiring at all for him — much less for the two powerful women by his side.

As they entered the forest, Aziz was even more fascinated by the exotic vegetation and the small creatures he had never seen before.

Running through the forest was a crystal-clear river with a purple hue. Around it, small beasts were drinking or bathing in the magical water.

Perched among the branches were birds with stunningly vibrant feathers, like living jewels.

Walking slowly, Aziz activated his passive ability, \[Basic Senses], and could feel the presence of small beasts watching him from a distance.

Along the way, he asked about everything that piqued his curiosity, and Astrid and Isis patiently answered every question.

After a while, the trio picked up the pace. Aziz's curiosity had been satisfied — this was, without doubt, one of the best experiences he had ever had across both his lives.

Once out of the forest, they followed a well-maintained road, eventually reaching a massive wall.

Further ahead, they saw a gate guarded by soldiers.

Before they even arrived, one of the guards stepped forward.

"Stop there. The fee to enter is one low-grade mana coin," the guard said greedily, not even recognizing who stood before him.

Seeing his colleague trying to jump ahead, the other guards hurried over, hoping to cut in front.

However, as they came face to face with the trio, all of them were stunned by the ethereal beauty of the two women and the boy walking between them.

But it didn't take long before a few of the younger, more foolish guards had their eyes gleam with lust.

Noticing their disgusting stares aimed at Astrid and Isis, Aziz's heart filled with uncontrollable rage.

"Worms… Who do you think you are to demand anything from us? And take your filthy eyes off them," Aziz growled, stepping forward protectively.

The unusual reaction from Aziz warmed Astrid and Isis's hearts.

Angered by the boy's words, one guard stepped forward to confront him.

But that was all he managed to do — the moment he moved, he and the others collapsed face-first onto the ground. No matter how hard they tried, none of them could move a single muscle.

"Pathetic, insignificant creatures. I'll say this only once. If I so much as dream that any of you even think about laying a finger on my baby, I'll erase you and everyone you've ever known."

"But feel fortunate. Today is a special day for us, and I don't want my baby to see your filthy blood. Now move out of our way."

Aziz turned, recognizing his mother's voice.

Her voice — commanding, majestic, and absolute — paired with her cold, emotionless gaze, made her seem like a goddess delivering an irreversible decree to lowly mortals. For a brief moment, Aziz felt like he had seen this scene before, overlaid with another just like it.

And then, just as quickly, the feeling faded.

Seeing her son staring at her, Astrid gave him a sweet smile.

"Do you think I'm beautiful, my dear?"

"Yes, Mother. You're more than perfect."

Hearing the heartfelt compliment, Astrid pulled him into a warm hug, burying his face into her ample chest.

"Hehe, Mommy loves you so much, my dear."

While this affectionate moment played out, not a single guard dared lift their heads. They knew if they tried — they'd lose them.

After the tender moment, the trio passed through the gate into the city.

As they walked, Astrid asked:

"So, my dear, what was that back there? I've never seen you get angry before."

"Yes, young master, I was surprised too. I've never seen you so upset," Isis added.

"I... I don't know. I just felt this unexplainable rage when those idiots looked at you like that," Aziz replied, clearly confused.

The two women giggled softly and said nothing more as they continued walking.

Putting that moment behind him, Aziz looked ahead and saw a vast city full of life.

All around, people bustled about. He instantly recognized several races: humans, vampires with their fangs on display, beastmen, and many more.

"Finally... civilization," Aziz murmured, his heart racing with anticipation as he stepped into a new world.

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