Fantasy Realm [One Piece] [Harry Potter] [Naruto] - [Progression] [LitRPG]

Chapter 28: A Warm Welcome, A Happy Funeral, and an Unwelcome Guest

Alex boards the plane, dreading the long flight ahead. "Hey, 1337, can I only enter the Fantasy Realm from my room back home?"

[Host can enter the Fantasy Realm from anywhere in the real world, provided it guarantees 100% privacy and that the host considers it a temporary sanctuary.]

"So, a hotel room would count too?"

[If the host ensures not to be disturbed and has no quick access to his original dwelling, then yes. It's more about intent than rules.]

"Interesting... well, let's relax for a bit and think about what to do once this mess is taken care of. I hate dealing with stuff like this, especially alone. This will be so depressing and awkward."

After a grueling flight of more than half a day, Alex finally disembarks. Thanks to his late flight time, it's now morning, and Alex can get straight to his tasks without needing to rest.

He uses his smartphone to find a better place to exchange his Euros into Rand, after begrudgingly swapping a few hundred Euros at the overpriced currency exchanges near the airport.

Within a few minutes, Alex reaches the exchange shop, paying the driver a fair amount by wisely getting the price upfront before the ride.

Exchanging his money is quick and straightforward. After a brief counting of bills, Alex walks out with his entire stash converted into Rand. The bank teller sternly warns him to keep that kind of money hidden, as it's risky for someone like him to be seen with such a large amount in cash. Alex nods. He fully agrees and plans to stay low-key. "No bullshit, get there, deliver the money, if not too late, attend his funeral, and leave. You owe Thato that much, but you're not a damn superhero who can change the world."

As he exits the store, Alex sees the same driver raising his hand, offering to drive him again. About to agree, Alex stops. "Man, all this is making me paranoid... No need to risk it" he tells himself.

"Thanks for waiting, but my hotel is close by. I just wanted to exchange a little cash for later," Alex says, pulling out a small tip he had prepared at the exchange for situations like this. The driver appears grateful but there is this vague feeling that he is also slightly disappointed.

Alex pretends to walk toward a large hotel, glancing over his shoulder just in time to see the driver pull away. "Am I just imagining things? Well, it doesn't hurt to be careful," he mutters to himself.

[This system is not directly permitted to interfere with the Host's daily life, only to guide in matters related to the Fantasy Realm. However, this system has calculated a 61.57% probability that Host would have been a victim of an attempted robbery if he had entered that taxi. Since the Host asked whether he was imagining things or if his newly acquired basic skills and stat increases are relaying him information, this system was allowed to answer.]

"...REALLY??? Guess I wasn't just being paranoid. Close call..." Alex thinks, relieved. "Also, 1337, despite all the jokes and criticisms, seems to be on my side, bending the rules juuuust a little."