*Bathroom*
A running tap filled the small room with echoing drips while the exhaust fan hummed like an old meditation instructor.
Droplets clung stubbornly to Zain's chin, refusing to fall as if they treasured his face or something.
The boy stared at his reflection, clearly lost in thought.
---
*Zain POV*
"Now then… what…"
"If I knew which novel this was, I could've just followed the main storyline!"
"Ahh!! Should've read academy genre too, not only extra genre… sheesh… what a waste."
He lamented dramatically about not preparing for a scenario he never expected to experience.
'So… what do they usually do?'
Zain snapped his fingers.
"Right, i should make notes, better write everything down, can't trust memory alone."
'Should I bathe first?'
'Because every isekai protagonist needs to know his companion, right?'
"Heh…"
A slightly deranged amusement flashed in his eyes before he began his morning routine.
---
*Bedroom*
Fresh out of the bath, Zain sat under the ceiling fan letting his hair dry naturally while fiddling with his phone.
The study table nearby was cluttered with scribbled notes, while the wardrobe stood open with clothes thrown around like a tornado had opinions.
"Hmmm…"
'So… that's all I can think of for now.'
"Mountain near nont so special town—check."
"Academy library—check."
"Black Market—check."
He stopped only when Butler Khan finished preparing breakfast and called him to eat, pulling Zain out of his note taking frenzy.
---
*Dining Room*
A compact dining space connected to the kitchen by a curtain, beyond that, the living room led to the rest of the house.
The smell of freshly cooked food hit him like a blessing.
'Woah…'
'It's been ages since I had a proper meal.'
His mouth flooded instantly, saliva threatening to drown any nearby villages if left unmanaged.
"Young master, don't delay. Eat before it cools."
"Please enjoy it."
Zain nodded eagerly.
"Uncle, you should eat too, don't just wait for me."
Khan gently shook his head.
"I will, boy, but only after you eat your part."
Zain frowned.
'Customs? Mybe or professionalism?'
Damn… half baked memory is dangerous.'
Putting that aside, he asked the question that mattered.
"So, Uncle… can I go on a trip?"
"I want to relieve some pressure before academy life starts… a solo hike, can I?"
He tried to make his voice as pleading as possible.
"Please…"
Khan chuckled.
---
Khan POV
'As I thought… he's anxious about the academy.'
'No wonder he had a nightmare.'
He then became suddenly serious.
"Boy… you seem well prepared for this trip."
"Tell me what exactly you intend to do, with all it's details."
"Where, when, how.... Everything."
Zain stiffened under the interrogation.
---
*Zain POV*
'Damn…'
'Feels like I'm getting interrogated by my dad again.'
'Memories of past life can que for later, priority on present OK.'
He steadied his mind and explained everything
How he plans to visit the Labucha mountain range in Labur district.
'Thank God I prepared everything before getting ready…'
---
*Khan POV*
'Labur is peaceful… nothing concerning.'
'But Labucha? It is just but barren caves, and a thin forest....why there?'
"Young master, what is so interesting about Labur?"
"And Labucha is just empty caves with thin forestry..."
Zain cut him off instantly.
"Exactly!"
"I mean... it's safe, right? No hidden dangers because the forests are small."
"Fresh air… perfect for light hiking!"
His eagerness was near blinding.
Khan smiled faintly.
'Guess not all youngsters are irresponsible…'
"Young master, I shall procure the train tickets and book a room immediately."
Suddenly Zain dropped a bomb.
"Uncle… can I go alone?"
"I want to grow a bit before entering the academy
"It's a world where people fend for themselves."
"And I need some experience."
Khan's face darkened instantly.
The ever dreading lecture began.
Zain nearly collapsed from the endurance challenge that followed, a man who withstood pressure of sudden transmigration found himself spending all the energy he gained from breakfast convincing Khan he wouldn't die in a ditch on day one.
---
*Zain POV*
'Pheww…'
'That was a quest, but quest completed...'
After breakfast, he returned to his room.
"Now then…"
'Here I come…'
His heart thumped with thrill.