NOVEL NEXT Chapter 193: Neighbour
He continued, "It wasn't easy, of course. I had to enforce some disciplinary measures, as you taught me…" Lizno's voice trailed off, a chilling smile creeping across his face.
Vincent pondered for a moment but chose not to press further. Instead, he nodded calmly. "In that case, I want you to lead them."
"Lead them? Where?" Lizno thought, though he remained silent, waiting for Vincent to continue.
After sending Lizno off, Vincent was left alone in his office. In the real world, it had been the second day since he broke through to Tier 2.
"I should go back…" he mused. Marina and Amara were still unaware of his breakthrough, and they might grow worried if he didn't return from the Origin World after two days.
With that in mind, he retrieved an escape scroll from his storage ring. It would be the first time he used it, and he wondered if he could return to the Origin World the same day or if he'd have to wait.
Without hesitation, he tore the scroll. Particles of digital light shimmered around him, collapsing after three seconds, and he vanished.
His surroundings blurred momentarily, and he found himself back in the hotel room they had rented. It was noon, and Marina and Amara were still at school and work.
Curious, he attempted to return to the Origin World, but as expected, an unknown power blocked him. Still, he wasn't worried—it was only temporary.
At that moment, the phone on the side table near his bed rang. Vincent picked it up and glanced at the caller ID: Anjie, the real estate agent he'd been working with.
As soon as he answered, a holographic screen projected in front of him, displaying Anjie's polite smile.
"Good day, Mr. Magnus," she greeted formally.
"Hi, Anjie," Vincent replied, his tone calm and unhurried.
"I'm calling to inform you that your property is fully prepared. You may relocate at your earliest convenience," she said, her voice professional yet warm.
"Oh, that's quick," Vincent responded, a hint of surprise in his voice.
"Yes, everything has been taken care of, and all utilities are set up as per your request. You just need to scan your Origin Warrior License to gain access," Anjie added.
"Sounds like it's all sorted, then," Vincent said, his tone casual but composed.
"Indeed, Mr. Magnus. Should you require any further assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out," she replied, maintaining her formal tone.
"Sure, will do. Thanks for the update," Vincent said, his voice even.
"You're welcome. Have a wonderful day, Mr. Magnus."
"You too, Anjie," Vincent replied calmly before ending the call.
The projection faded, and Vincent set his phone down, his expression as calm as ever. Though the call was brief, he noticed Anjie seemed more cheerful than the last time they spoke.
"In that case, should I check it out?" he thought.
With that in mind, he changed into casual clothes, hailed a hover cab, and headed toward District 10.
After an hour of travel, he arrived at the Peaceful Lake Subdivision. The property he had purchased was located within this exclusive area.
The AI hover cab lowered its window, and Vincent saw a muscular middle-aged man in a blue guard uniform approaching.
"I apologize, young sir. This is private property. Only owners are permitted to enter," the guard said politely.
Vincent leaned slightly and replied, "I just bought a property here. I'm here to check it out."
Hearing this, the guard recalled the information he had received from the office. "Are you Mr. Magnus?" he asked.
Vincent nodded.
"Apologies. May I see your ID for confirmation?"
Vincent handed over his Origin Warrior License. The guard examined it briefly and returned it.
"Thank you for your patience, Young Master Magnus. You may proceed. Enjoy your stay."
Vincent nodded again, and the hover cab continued into the subdivision.
Soon, he stood before a massive amber-colored gate. The sign above it read: Sunset River Villa.
This was his first property, both in his previous life and his current one. Next to his villa stood another, even more luxurious one. Using his perception, he scanned it discreetly, noting its grandeur.
Suddenly, a woman's voice rang out from inside the neighboring villa.
"Isn't that quite rude? Are you peeping into someone else's house?"
Vincent was startled. He had masked his mental energy carefully, yet the woman had detected him.
"I apologize. I didn't mean to be rude. I was just admiring your villa," he replied, his tone calm but cautious.
"Hoh, I haven't heard your voice before. Are you new here?" the woman asked, her tone laced with curiosity.
"Yes, I'm the new owner of the villa next to yours," Vincent answered.
"Oh, a new neighbor… Alright, I'll let it slide this time. But don't think this is a habit I'll tolerate. If it happens again, don't be surprised if I pluck out your eyeballs and feed them to my dogs," she said, her voice turning icy at the end.
Vincent didn't respond. He withdrew his mental energy and glanced at the neighboring villa, frowning as he wondered about the identity of his new neighbor.
Shaking off his thoughts, he scanned his Origin Warrior License on the security lock. A soft click echoed, and the massive gate slowly opened.
A female, monotonous voice emanated from a screen on the gate's wall.
"Welcome back, Master Vincent."
Vincent raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
Soon, a hovering humanoid chrome robot approached him. Emblazoned on its torso was the bold number "9."
"I am AI support model No. 09999—9. You may address me as Nine, or you may change my designation according to your preference."
Vincent decided to keep the name for the time being.
"Tell me all your functions and provide me with the details of the villa," he instructed.
"As you wish," Nine replied.
With that, Nine began to guide Vincent through the villa, detailing its features and functions. In summary, Vincent was satisfied with Nine's capabilities.