Chapter 24: A new beginning

On the streets of Everest City, ten luxury cars glided through traffic in unison. Upon closer inspection, each vehicle bore a distinct family crest on its license plate, signifying that they belonged to different prominent factions. Despite their varied origins, the entire convoy was heading toward a single destination: the slums.

​Because the representatives had all insisted on accompanying Smith, they agreed to minimize their fleet, allowing only one car per faction.

​In this era, high-ranked individuals were typically Chess Players. Because they possessed the power to protect themselves, they had little need for conventional bodyguards. However, to maintain prestige and project status, high-ranking figures still hired ordinary bodyguards—or even lower-ranked Chess Players—as an escort.

​Today was a special situation. To avoid appearing overly flashy or ostentatious in front of someone so important, each representative brought only a single vehicle containing themselves, a driver, and a secretary. Yet, from Smith’s perspective, the mere fact that these representatives had personally come to escort him was already an exaggerated display. Still, recognizing their goodwill and their desire to build a relationship with him, he accepted the gesture without complaint.

​The convoy drew considerable attention as it passed through the city streets. Upon reaching the slums, the sight of ten luxury vehicles created an immediate commotion among the residents. Unbothered by the onlookers, the procession pulled up to the narrow street where Smith lived.

​The driver opened the door for Peter, who stepped out first. He then opened the second door for Smith and assisted him into his wheelchair. With Jack pushing the wheelchair forward, Smith led the group toward his home.

​Reaching the front door, Smith knocked. From inside, his aunt’s voice echoed, "I’m coming!"

​A moment later, hurried footsteps sounded, and the door swung open. She expected to see Smith as usual, but her eyes widened at the crowd assembled behind him. Though she did not recognize them, their refined air instantly marked them as extraordinary figures.

​Even more disconcerting were their warm, radiant smiles. While intended to convey harmony, the sight of influential strangers beaming at her only heightened her anxiety. After checking Smith to ensure he was unharmed, she suppressed her apprehension and welcomed him home.

​"Welcome back, Smith," she said.

​"Aunt, I brought some guests with us," Smith replied gently. "Shall we go inside?"

​Realizing she was blocking the doorway, his aunt quickly stepped aside. "Forgive the delay. Please, come into my humble home."

​Smith entered first, followed by the representatives. Looking around, the guests noted the modest, traditional interior. Though simple by their standards, it was neatly kept. Eager to make a good impression, the representative from the frostmoon family took the initiative to speak.

​"Hello, Madam. You must be Mr. Smith’s aunt," he said with a warm smile. "Judging by his character and upbringing, you are clearly a remarkably capable woman to have raised such an exceptional young man. I am thoroughly impressed and hope we can become better acquainted."

​His aunt blushed at the sudden praise, momentarily at a loss for words.

​The other representatives cursed the oldman in their hearts for seizing the first opportunity to flatter her. As the saying went, the older the ginger, the spicier it gets—the old man was far too shrewd. Smith merely shook his head in amusement.

​Not wanting to be outdone, the remaining representatives quickly gathered around, showering her with compliments. One even went so far as to praise the humble house, claiming it possessed the serene charm of a heavenly palace. The absurdity of the compliment brought a quiet laugh to Smith’s lips.

​As the atmosphere relaxed, Smith’s aunt excused herself and pulled him into his bedroom for a private word.

​"Smith, can you please tell me what is going on?" she asked nervously.

​"You don’t need to worry, Aunt," Smith reassured her. "You know I am a Chess Player now. To keep things simple, I haven’t joined a single faction. Instead, I’ve formed partnerships with several of them. The people outside are their representatives. You can simply view them as my business partners."

​He paused before continuing, "I came back today to move you out of here. They have already arranged new accommodations for us."

​Relieved to learn the visitors were allies rather than trouble, his aunt let out a long breath.

​When they returned to the sitting room, the conversation resumed smoothly until Peter’s phone rang. Excusing himself, Peter stepped outside to answer it.

​"Young Master," his subordinate reported over the line, "everything you requested earlier has been settled."

​A satisfied smile touched Peter’s lips. "Good. Prepare everything; we will be arriving shortly."

​Returning to the room, Peter clapped his hands to gather everyone’s attention. "Everything is arranged, Smith. We can head over to view your new residence now."

​His aunt hesitated, looking around the small home. "What about this place?"

​Understanding that this home held eight years of memories for them, Peter answered thoughtfully, "You don’t have to worry. We can leave it exactly as it is. I will arrange for staff to clean the property regularly, and I can acquire the surrounding area to ensure no one disturbs it. You may return whenever you like. Whether you wish to renovate it or leave it untouched, the choice is entirely yours."

​She looked to Smith for guidance. Seeing him nod in approval, she pondered for a moment before making her decision.

​"I don’t want to trouble you so much," she said gently. "Although I’ve lived here for many years, this is a new beginning for us. It might be best to just sell it—the physical house doesn’t matter as much anymore."

​With the decision made, the group returned to the convoy and departed the slums.

​As they drove, Smith noticed they were not heading toward the Snow Peak Community as he had anticipated.

​Noticing his confusion, Peter explained, "We aren’t going to the Snow Peak Community. I have arranged your accommodation in our private family territory."

​Smith was visibly surprised. The Brown family’s private territory—known as the Everest Community—was the city’s premier district. Directly controlled by the family, it served as the residential core for both the main and branch lines of the Brown family. Ranked as the top community in the city—above even the government-controlled district and far exceeding the third-ranked Snow Peak Community—it was essentially the heart of the family’s headquarters.

​Placing him directly within their core territory signified that the Brown family already treated him as one of their own, demonstrating immense respect and valuation of his presence.

​The convoy arrived at the heavily guarded gates of the Everest Community. Smith noted that even the gate guards were Chess Players.

​Without a player actively unleashing their aura, it was difficult to discern their exact aura level. While higher-ranked players could gauge the general strength of lower-ranked ones, lower-ranked players scanning their superiors could only sense an overwhelming gap in power without knowing the precise difference.

​Passing through the gates, the convoy continued past the outer perimeter. To Smith’s surprise, the cars drove deep into the estate, stopping near the very core of the community.

​Peter stepped out, personally opened the door for Smith, and smiled. "We have arrived at your new home."

​Smith looked out the window, completely shocked by the view before him.