Endless Horde: Through the Eyes of a Godking

Chapter 61: Nightlife

"...and this brings us to my final point. You have done extremely well in terms of adjusting to a new environment. I've observed your progress closely and I can confidently say that you're in perfect health, and that includes your mental health too."

"..."

"Of course, if you ever feel burdened by your emotions or distressed, you have my number and you know where to find me. I'd appreciate it if you could visit me once every three months just to make sure that you're taking care of yourself. Other than that...you're clear."

"Thank you, Doc." Cedric bowed slightly at the good doctor.

"Oh shush, this is all you, all I did was to be a good listener. You did extremely well and I'm proud of you." Dr. Vega replied.

Cedric scratched the back of his head. The doctor gave her last bits of advice before dismissing him, and as he walked out of the ReNewLife Institute, he couldn't help but feel visibly less burdened.

It's a little surprising how fast time flies. He could still remember this place being the first thing he ever visited the moment he arrived in this city. It has been a few months since then.

Back then, he was still jittery that it's hilarious. He was wary of everybody around him like each and every single one of them was out to get him. His eyes were untrusting and his body language was always guarded. It couldn't be helped since that was his first time re-joining the civilization after many years. Being used to a toxic environment does that to someone.

Now though, Cedric perfectly blends in with the crowd. If it weren't for him covering most of his facial features, nobody would even notice his presence at all.

It's a little weird but Cedric feels at home now. After constant therapy sessions with Dr. Vega and him adjusting to the peaceful environment around him, Cedric learned how to properly relax and just...exist in peace.

He's just like them now...no longer deathly afraid of their daunting monthly mandatory service, has a steady flow of income, is a homeowner, and is a proper civilian.

For a former convict of the Risk Management Center, this is no less than a stellar achievement.

Now that he has received his psychological clearance from Dr. Vega, Cedric's public profile will be updated once more. It will now have this little tidbit of information and in addition, because of his doctor's assurance, he's now allowed to travel outside of the Black Thread City.

Not that he was forbidden from traveling before. He could, but it was extremely limited, plus the authorities will be extremely fussy about his status so there's really no point. He might as well wait until this day comes before doing it.

'Well, there's that but I never planned a tour.' Cedric mused to himself as he slowly made his way towards his car.

Cedric hasn't developed any outgoing tendencies. He's okay with staying indoors, only going out when it's necessary or if he feels like it. However, if wanderlust ever occurred to him, it wouldn't be too late to plan a vacation. After all, he had all the money he needed to make it happen.

Driving back home, Cedric hummed along with the music playing in his car. It's already late in the afternoon. In an hour or so, the fake sun will be put to rest and the night will begin.

Cedric contemplated for a bit. He was debating if he should go straight home or experience the nightlife around these parts and maybe have some fun.

"Eh, might as well. I don't do it often anyway. Besides, this could count as a little celebration for me having my psyche cleared." He mused out loud as he drove towards the nearby district to walk around.

The place he ended up in was close to his home, about 20 minutes away. It's a little district where 'fun' was around, i.e. bars, gambling dens, food stalls, markets, bazaars, carnivals, etc.

He left his car in the nearby parking lot and got out to have a look around. He kept his field of senses at the barest minimum, which was still several hundred meters around him.

Cedric blended in with the crowd. He was wearing a loose plain white shirt, camo jacket, a pair of jeans, rubber shoes, and a cap. He's also wearing a face mask to lessen the attention he might get.

The air was chilly but it didn't dampen Cedric's mood, if anything, he's completely relaxed in this atmosphere.

Night lights flickered around. He was surrounded by the buzzing sound of activity around him but it no longer irritated him. The constant feedback on his senses didn't bother him either since he'd grown used to it at this point.

He made his way to the bar to get a few shots in. Due to these parts being filled with Superhumans, the 'No Drunk Driving' law was loose around here for Superhumans could simply flush the alcohol within the system in mere seconds.

That doesn't necessarily mean that Superhumans couldn't get drunk. They could. There are even concoctions discovered that completely nullify the ability of Superhumans to sober up instantly.

Cedric wasn't looking to get absolutely hammered. He just liked the taste of alcohol and the buzz it gives from time to time. Besides, he wouldn't get drunk easily...not with his aptitude, no. Even if downed an entire bottle of whiskey, he'd remain perfectly fine.

Trust him, he would know because he tried that once before...

When he entered the bar, he was immediately greeted by the loud music. He received strange feedback from his senses which caused his lips to quirk up beneath his mask.

Making his way to the counter, he took a seat and ordered a shot. He briefly lowered his mask down to drink and put it back. Unfortunately, that little moment was enough for him to get some attention, mainly from the stranger next to him.

Cedric could already tell that the girl next to him was staring at him...well, more like at his face, but the same thing. He acted as if he didn't notice it and ordered another drink while slightly bopping his head at the beat of the music.

As he downed another shot and was about to put back his mask, the girl suddenly spoke:

"Keep it off..." the faint voice of the girl right next to him sounded in his ears.

He turned his head towards her, keeping a disciplined expression. He leaned in a bit and asked:

"Sorry, were you talking to me?"

And the poor girl instantly flushed by his sudden query. She fidgeted, keeping her head down as she whispered:

"Me and damn mouth."

She said it very faintly, but due to how sharp Cedric's senses were, he heard it loud and clear, but he feigned ignorance of course. The girl cleared her throat though, seemingly emboldened by the alcohol in her system.

"I said, you might as well remove the mask. It's kind of redundant since you'd be drinking anyway. Besides, you don't hideous...in fact, you're quite the opposite of that." She whispered the last part.

Cedric flashed her a smile.

The bartender who was watching this on the side, rolled his eyes as he saw how the girl quite literally swooned just from a single smile from the pretty boy. He couldn't blame her for that though...

"I agree, it is redundant." Cedric replied.

Without breaking eye contact, Cedric removed his mask entirely, keeping it to his inventory. And while he's at it, he also removed his cap, letting loose that mop of healthy blonde hair.

"My name's Cedric. May I know yours?" He asked.

Oh, the poor girl was nearly in shambles. She squirmed in her seat as she felt his gaze focusing on her. She inwardly scolded herself because she could've sworn she actually drooled the moment the guy revealed his face to him.

'I...god, what's happening to me?'

"M-my name's Janet." She replied, once again scolding herself inwardly for stuttering.

"Nice to meet you, Janet." Cedric held out his hand to shake hers.

When their hands touched, Janet's heart thundered in her chest. Cedric's hands were big and warm, completely covering hers and making her feel safe and protected. Sadly, the contact didn't last long and she looked visibly disappointed when he let go of her hand.

Her disappointment didn't last long however because Cedric immediately ordered her a drink and started a conversation with her.

As their conversation continued, Janet was feeling more and more at ease with him. She couldn't help it, the guy in front of him fits her standards. Throughout their conversation, his eyes were focused on her face, not roaming all over her body like the perverts she met before. He kept his hand to his face and didn't try any sleek moves.

He also knows how to keep a conversation going on top of complimenting her here and there, making her feel things.

So, despite not planning anything like this tonight, Janet grabbed the opportunity by the hand despite her obvious lack of experience. If Cedric noticed this, then he didn't say anything.

She could've sworn they must've talked there for hours before leaving but in truth? Only 15 minutes passed before she wasn't able to take it anymore.

The night was young, but none of the two were interested in spending it in that noisy place. They prefer a more private and intimate location.

However, before leaving, Cedric sent a message to Arishem about something he noticed in that tiny place.

[To: Arishem]

08:54 pm - Hey! You might wanna check out this place [pin].

08:54 pm - I felt something sinister in there earlier. Not quite sure though.

08:55 pm - DND me though, I'm off to have some fun. Ttyl!