Chapter 10: A gift
After a few moments, Asher emerged from the bathroom, a towel draped casually around his waist.
"You may come in, Lyra," he said, loosening the towel as he stood before the mirror clad only in his underwear, quietly admiring his stature.
Though he had never committed to a rigorous training regimen, he had grown accustomed to this body, incorporating modest exercises, a handful of push-ups, some squats, and light calisthenics. Not that his physique demanded it, but he resolved to maintain some semblance of discipline through these simple movements.
Lyra entered with quiet composure, the door closing softly behind her. She approached Asher and handed him the attire designated for the day.
Since this was the day of his awakening, and his final opportunity at it, he was expected to present himself impeccably, allowing for nothing less. Accepting the garments, Asher dressed with effortless grace: tailored black trousers, an ash-colored shirt intricately embroidered with subtle patterns in various hues, and polished black shoes completing the ensemble.
Asher had insisted to Lyra that he did not wish to appear ostentatious, yet even in his understated attire, he carried an undeniable air of distinction. ’Simply the face and physique of a born charmer.’ he mused with a subtle smile.
"Happy seventeenth birthday, Young Master," Lyra said softly, the faintest hint of a smile touching her lips. She then lifted her hand, conjuring a small, square box that materialized effortlessly. Gently, she handed it to Asher.
’A space ring,’ Asher thought, his eyes briefly flickering to the ring adorning Lyra’s index finger. "Hoo... You’ve never given me a gift before, Lyra. What makes this birthday any different from the previous sixteen?" he asked as he accepted the small box and carefully opened it. Inside lay a wristwatch.
Having come from a technologically advanced world, Asher had witnessed timepieces of every imaginable design and caliber. Though the watches of this world could not rival those marvels, this one possessed a unique charm all its own.