Chapter 276 - The Start Of Altered (Part 1) When school came to an end, Tom picked up his speed to get home, unable to contain his excitement any longer. Today he would be leaving Slough. Not forever, of course, but he would spend the next week or so gaining valuable work experience. The best thing about it, he would be doing so under his parents’ supervision. Honestly, Tom had always been interested in what exactly his parents were doing. When asked about it, they would explain a few details here and there, but they seemed to avoid that particular question, always stating that they would tell him once he was older. This curiosity drove Tom mad and in the end, it had largely contributed to his desire to want to follow in his parent's footsteps. It seemed like a silly reason, to follow in his parent's footsteps just so he could find out what their work actually was. Nevertheless, it was a goal that allowed him to focus on school and not so much on his other passion, playing video games. Accepting Tom to now finally go to his parents' workplace, meant he was a step closer to his goal. Outside his house, he could see his parents already waiting, and it looked like they had already packed his bags for him as well. The Green couple were always the type to be in a rush and were rarely home as well. Another reason why Tom desired to be in the same field as them, just so he could spend more time with them, and not feel so… distant. “We’ll be out of town for a full week.” James Green said as he was ready to start the car. “You made sure to tell all your friends and teacher, right?” “Sure did. Mom also had a talk with Headmistress Young, so I’m all good to go.” Tom replied, bouncing up and down in his seat. “Come on, let’s go. No time to waste.” The car went out of slough and onto the highway, and for the first time, Tom could see the sign to Brocknell. During the drive, Tom couldn’t help but think about his best friend. Were it not for Gary having turned into a Werewolf, he would probably just miss him slightly, but now? Who knew what could happen in the span of a single week? When entering the Tier-2 city Tom couldn't help but stare out the window, admiring all the sights. Technically this wasn’t the first time he had been here, but the last time had been then, he had been a lot younger. His memory of that time was naturally a little fuzzy. Still, it was just as impressive as he remembered it to be. There were more skyscraper buildings out here. Used for large corporations with offices, or for the rich that like to live at the top and stare out at the city. Another prominent thing were the advertisements. Digital screens all over the different buildings were advertising for clothes, restaurants and other things, mostly luxury items that might cost more than one month’s paycheck from his parents combined. The people on the street themselves were walking in nice clothes, and each of them looked clean cut and presentable. The biggest difference of them, however, was the fact that nowhere in the city, not even in the different areas, did there seem to be any sign of poverty. There was no graffiti, no litter on the street, nor any signs of gangs just walking around at a certain time of day. Tom was witnessing the difference between a single rank in Tiers. However, seeing all of this just made Tom wonder how great a Tier-1 city would look like. That was something he had never experienced before. Those cities were similar to gated communities, and they didn’t just allow tourism. Those that worked or lived there would be given special passes to enter and leave the city. It truly was a place that was only for the select few… in other words the rich and mighty. Eventually, the car came to a stop, and Tom’s eyes were lighting up. They hadn't gone to the apartment that his parents would usually use. Instead, they had gone straight to the lab itself. “Sorry about this Tom, I know you must be tired after school, but there are just a few things that we need to finish up. I hope you don't mind?” His father asked. “Of course, I don't mind. I wouldn't have been able to sleep today thinking about this anyway. This is much better!” Tom shook his head, quickly getting out of the car, leaving his mother to park it some place else. The lab was quite large in size, it was placed on its own square of space. There was an open area for employees and the public to walk on. While the road continued in a square on the side. So there were no other buildings next to it. The shape of the building itself was quite strange. It was like a tear drop on its side. The higher tier cities did tend to have more impractical architectural designs, but still. The lab was large and impressive nonetheless. Eventually, father and son reached the front of the building, and Tom stopped right outside for a second. He couldn't move any further as he stared at the letters that were placed above the building. “What is this, Dad?!” Tom asked. “I had no idea they had a building in this city? Why did you keep this a secret from me? How could you and Mom never mention this to me?!” Scratching the back of his head, Tom’s father was a bit nervous at his son’s reaction. “There are quite a few reasons I didn't tell you, and I never knew it was such a big deal, honestly. It's just our job and what we love to do.” His dad smiled. Rushing in after his dad, the two headed into the building, with the letters, NIRV written above.