The Earth After Rebirth

Not that they could've been bored in those big houses, as there was a lot to do and explore but they decided to explore the neighbourhood first.

They noticed how quiet the streets were. They weren't used to something like this, back where they came from streets were filled with kids, playing all sorts of mundane games.

This was a strange and uncomfortable sight.

They noticed that there was a mall also a walking distance. Apparently every neighbourhood had its shopping mall. It was very conspicuous, with it's light blue see through glass walls.

"Bold of them to make walls glass!"

"That's a really strong glass, stronger than steel apparently." Kiro shrugged.

"That's just what they want you to think, I used to build things with my dad, there's a specific way to cut through it."

"Now, how is that you didn't make top 5?"

"Haha, well," he was embarrassed to even say it. "I kind of just freeze in there, I can't explain it. Ever since my father's disappearance, I just can't do anything that reminds me..." He trailed off.

"That's alright Hiro, I understand. You don't want to do it, but you also want to do it. A dilemma."

He nodded.

They walked to the mall and decided to go on a shopping spree for proper clothes. They could order everything online and it'd be delivered but they wanted to experience this.

Walking through the doors, they expected it was empty but it wasn't. There were quite a lot of kids.

'So this is where these brats come to play?'

Though their clothes weren't as bad, they were still considered lowly in Area 1. They were met with whispers and scoffs. Which they ignored.

Most customers inside were just kids. Clearly the rich granted their kids freedom from an early age. Kiro couldn't imagine allowing Alora to come here alone.

They entered a winter store, there were rows upon rows of warm clothes. They smiled gracefully, as now they didn't really have a limit.

"Sorry, you couldn't afford whatever is being sold here." The worker said with an annoyed expression.

"How do you reckon?" Kiro asked her politely, slightly amused.

"You're probably part of some lower district school, touring the upper district. I don't wish for my time to be wasted!" She shot back, getting angry that Kiro's tone was mocking.

"I don't like conflicts," Hiro started walking towards the worker. "Where's your manager or boss, for you to treat customers like this..."

"My boss will tell you the same thing."

"Call him." He demanded.

Kiro watched from behind, he was getting prouder of Hiro by the second. He preferred his assertive personality more.

"What seems to be the problem here?" The manager walked in 15 minutes later, with a subtle disgusted look on his face.

Hiro was right about the fact that he didn't like conflict. So he shoved the title deed of the mall in his face.

The manager's reaction was almost instantaneous, he started sweating, his body was involuntarily shaking. He attempted to smile but it came out robotic, almost forced.

"I—I—sir, what can I help you with?"

"I know for a fact that the worker didn't act on her own, she was probably told by her superiors to be prejudiced.

"If it were up to my feelings, I'd kick you out of this lot. But this is business. Though I could just raise your rent." Hiro made a thinking face as if he was considering it seriously.

In all honesty, he had already decided to raise the rent. He'd looked at the business' financial books and with Kiro's help, they noticed that the reason the previous owner was barely breaking even was because of the rent.

When they asked him about it, he simply told them he didn't want to lose anyone by raising the rent. If he did, he would be making a loss, so he instead allowed the status quo.

Kiro was surprised at his weak excuse, entering the business world meant taking risks. He understood that the risk should at least be calculated, but he played it way too safe.

"Please Sir, I'm sorry for my insolence, don't throw us out, please don't punish us." He begged.

The worker was astounded, she didn't know what the man showed her boss, but she could see his boss begging which was something she'd never seen before.

"I'll raise the rent by 10%, of course you can leave if you don't want to pay it. Maybe also tell the rest of the shops here, because of your insolence they have to pay extra." Hiro was enjoying this more than he thought he would.

"Yes sir, I'm sorry sir. You're too generous sir."

"Pfft, you're only sorry because he has power over you." Kiro laughed as he said.

"I'll change I'll treat everyone with respect, you can buy everything here, discounted by 50%. Just to extend my sincere apologies."

He didn't think they'd take him up on his offer, rich people in this society would consider this an insult. But...

"Don't mind if we do!" They said at the same time.

They went around the store taking one of everything. There were various winter jackets and boots. Jerseys and sweaters and hoodies. They took a good chunk. The owner almost contracted a heart attack right there.

His face was very bitter as he helped them checkout. Discounting everything by 50%. They were kids from the slums, they wouldn't turn down saving money no matter what.

They left the shop with broad smiles on their faces. With Hiro telling him, he'll draw up a new lease for next month. He waved them goodbye, telling them to come again, albeit hesitantly.

They hired a mall cart, that would follow them from store to store. They only had two hands and they were planning to buy a little more than they need, especially when they were even given a discount.

They bought a lot of branded clothes and shoes, the final price for clothing was in the 100 thousands. They bought both formal and casual wear.

They didn't encounter any crude attitude from the rest of the shops. They were only given god level respect and customer service.

As soon as they left, the owner of the winter shop warned the others. He still thought the rent was raised because of him, he didn't want it to be raised again.