Bloodline Evolution: I Can Choose Opposing Paths-Chapter 45: City Mouse

After stumbling around for a while, they finally found the right address. His father’s jaw dropped to the ground as he stared up in shock.

The entire building rose into the sky almost like a spear. The outside wasn’t made of the pure concrete they were used to. It was instead, replaced by clean glass panels that gave off an elegant feel.

Aren adjusted the strap of his bag and started toward the entrance before his father immediately grabbed his arm.

"Hey—hey, wait!" he stammered, pulling him back a step. "I think we got the wrong address."

Aren blinked. "Dad."

"M–maybe there’s another place behind this," he continued hurriedly, squinting at the building as if it were a scam. "Like a smaller one. For normal people."

Anna tilted her head back, shielding her eyes from the sun. "This one says the right number though."

"That’s just what they want you to think," his father muttered darkly.

Aren sighed and held up the official relocation packet.

"It’s this one."

His father stared at the glossy façade again.

"...Are you sure they didn’t accidentally give you the CEO’s apartment?"

"Dad."

But a part of him really couldn’t blame his father. It had been negligence from Wells Company that pushed them into that cramped apartment years ago. Since then, his father had learned to keep his head low and to question everything—especially if it looked too good to be true.

The automatic doors slid open as they approached, and a puff of cool air rushed at them immediately.

Anna’s eyes widened.

"There’s air conditioning in the lobby?"

Their father froze just inside the doorway, staring up at the ceiling as if searching for hidden cameras.

"...This is where we’re living?"

Aren suppressed a smile. "That’s what the paperwork says."

The floor was a polished marble as everything around them screamed luxury woods and elegant whites. People stepped in and out casually, swiping cards against a panel before the elevator doors opened with a soft chime.

Aren stepped up to the receptionist as he handed her a file of papers. One that was given to him by Captain Eric.

The receptionist took it with a polite smile, one that shifted as she saw the military insignia in the corner.

"Ah... one moment please."

She scanned the papers carefully before typing something into her terminal. The faint clacking of keys echoed softly in the quiet lobby.

His father leaned in toward Anna. "Why did she suddenly look so serious?"

"Dad," Aren muttered.

The receptionist looked back up, this time with a noticeably warmer expression.

"Unit 23-07," she said smoothly. "Your relocation has already been processed. Everything is prepared."

"That fast?" his father blurted out.

She gave a small, professional smile. "The sponsorship ensures priority handling."

Aren blinked.

Priority? Did the military have this much influence before?

Well whatever, I shouldn’t refuse free things.

"I’ll just need you to confirm a few details," she continued, turning the monitor slightly toward him. "And if you could provide an active Mystic contact line."

He hesitated slightly. "A Mystic contact line?"

"Yes," she replied calmly. "As a registered combat-capable Mystic residing within the building, we’re required to have your contact information on file."

His father’s head snapped toward him.

"Combat-capable?"

"It’s standard policy," the receptionist explained smoothly.

"In the unlikely event of a security incident, building management may request assistance from qualified residents until proper authorities arrive."

She paused.

"Similar to how airlines identify medical professionals on board."

Aren stared at the form for a moment before slowly writing down his number.

He hadn’t expected this at all. Aren came thinking he was just a student. But in Imperial City, a Mystic wasn’t just another tenant—they were an asset.

The receptionist accepted the tablet back with a small nod.

"Welcome to East District Residences, Mister Aren, and the Cross Family." 𝑓𝘳𝘦𝑒𝑤𝑒𝘣𝘯ℴ𝘷𝘦𝓁.𝑐𝑜𝑚

His father kept one hand on the railing the entire way up. When the doors finally opened on the twenty-third floor, they stepped into a carpeted hallway with identical doors.

Aren found 23-07.

He tapped the access card.

The lock beeped once before swinging wide open.

Natural light poured into the living room from wide corner windows, the glass stretching nearly from floor to ceiling. From here they could see the entire city skyline.

A curved cream-colored couch sat in the center of the room, facing a low glass table. The flooring was a smooth wood, completely spotless.

Anna walked straight toward the windows.

"We can see everything."

His father stepped in slower this time, eyes moving from the couch to the kitchen to the balcony doors.

"...There’s actual counter space."

Aren walked further inside, setting his bag down near the island counter. The apartment was way better than he expected. Which was most definitely Captain Eric’s indirect measurement of Aren’s potential.

The day passed by quickly as most of it was spent unpacking what meager things they had. Boxes were opened halfway and then abandoned. Anna claimed her room immediately and declared it "non-negotiable territory."

Aren helped where he could, but eventually found himself standing out in the balcony doors once more.

He really felt the transition. It was similar to that one story he’d heard about as a kid.

About the country mouse being able to live simply but comfortably, while the city mouse had countless opportunities, but always lived in danger.

He looked down at the dampener on his hand before turning back, taking a big whiff of the cold air in Imperial City.

Guess I’m becoming that city mouse. I’ll just have to keep low for the foreseeable future.

Keeping low didn’t mean standing still.

Aren stepped back inside and closed the balcony door quietly. The apartment smelled faintly of mint from the candle that his father was burning.

Anna was already arguing with their father about which cabinet should hold snacks versus "important documents."

He pulled out his phone and went to the Imperial City College’s Student Portal.

He’d already been accepted. The sponsorship letter made sure of that. But there were still formalities such as identity confirmation, department registration, among other things he needed to do in-person.

But mostly, he wanted to see the campus with his own eyes. In his past life, he’d been in a third-rate college, he was the country mouse.

Aren got to the door before yelling out.

"I’m gonna head to the school for a bit!"

Anna leaned halfway out of her doorway.

"Bring me back something cool."

Aren snorted softly, tying his shoe before moving to the outside hallway.

"No promises, sis."