BXBX NOVEL Chapter 44: Diagnosis and Plug-ins
"...in short, you're as healthy as one could be, physically. I'd dare say that you're one of the healthiest people I've ever come across for someone at your level. This is a good thing so I'd suggest that you keep doing what you're doing so far to maintain this." Dr. Vega started.
"Psychologically, though..." Dr. Vega gave him a look that he completely understood even without having her finish her words. "Your long-term stay at the RMC took a great toll on you. I assume that you've seen this coming, yeah?"
Cedric nodded to that, not bothering to lie to the good doctor. He saw Dr. Vega sighing as she continued:
"The good news is, this isn't the worst-case scenario. In fact, I'm astonished that, despite being exposed to all of that, its effects only did so much to you. Yes, it has taken a toll on you mentally, but compared to the rest? You are relatively sound, mentally."
"..."
"I've had other patients like you before. None of them stayed in the RMC for as long as you did. None were as young as you did. That said, they had to be admitted here wearing a straight jacket, so believe me when I say that you have a high chance of recovering, quickly too! But of course, that will depend on your willingness." Dr. Vega enthusiastically remarked.
Well, Cedric couldn't really say anything to that. He personally knew how harsh the RMC was to others so he believed her words. It didn't feel good to know that there was something wrong with him psychologically but hey! He's already expecting that.
Actually, it would be surprising if the results turned out positive...
"What should we do then?" He asked.
"Oh, nothing much. Just therapy sessions at least once a week. I might suggest some activities that might help you improve your mental state and so on."
"..."
"From your results, you shouldn't need medications. If there are developments though, then I'm sure to let you know."
"This brings us to our next topic, which is the matter of your living conditions." The good doctor adjusted her glasses before speaking, "You're not required to stay at the institute for close observation. If you want to, you can stay anywhere you please so long as you make sure to visit me during our scheduled sessions."
"Like what was mentioned to you by Chief Brightstone, you aren't required to pay for our services so at the very least, take advantage of that. Don't worry, you won't be abusing the Chief's kindness through this. If anything, I'd think that he'd be happy to hear that you're using it to its full extent."
"I understand."
"Great! Here's your record. Please bring this with you during your visits since we will be updating that. Also, this a great way to check your progress from time to time so don't lose it, okay?"
Cedric nodded to that. The two of them then exchanged some more words but it was mainly the good doctor giving him some advice here and there. She was truly helpful and Cedric could tell so he did his best to remember everything she said.
After that, he was free to go. When he returned to the first floor of the institute, he saw Arishem who initially wanted to catch him by surprise. Suffice it to say that it failed since Cedric spotted him before he could even do anything.
"Man, your senses are quite troublesome. Am I really that sloppy?" Arishem grumbled to himself.
Cedric wisely decided to keep quiet instead of answering that. He'd say that his senses were just a cheat and that the old man was good, but that would be telling too much.
"Anyway, what's the verdict?" He asked.
Cedric then gave him a rundown of what Dr. Vega said, and Arishem looked pensive for a moment.
"...well, that's great to hear. A bit surprising, but still great nonetheless."
Arishem looked at him from top to bottom, causing Cedric to slightly raise a brow.
"Yeah, you don't need my help in looking for a place to stay." He declared, causing Cedric to be speechless. "Meh, you'll be fine on your own. You're a big boy. Here..."
Arishem then gave him a piece of paper which made Cedric confused.
"That's my Communication ID Code (CIC)." He said, "Get a Comm Plug-in and add me. Don't spread it around. Burn it after adding me. Send me a message once you have the Plug-in installed and only contact me in case of emergencies. Got it?"
Cedric nodded and stored the paper in his Inventory. After giving him that paper, Arishem bid his farewells and left him to his own devices.
Anxiety swarmed through his chest once he realized that he was alone. It was then followed by a sense of loss. Cedric had no idea where to go from here and he was panicking.
Thankfully, he was able to catch himself. He took a deep breath in and pushed his anxiety down while making his way out of the hospital.
'Get a grip, Cedric.' He admonished himself inwardly. 'You can face literal hordes of zombies without flinching in fear. Integrating back into society should be nothing to you.'
Releasing a breath of air and looking at the towering buildings within the city, Cedric started to plan ahead:
'The priority is to find a place to stay. A hotel should be fine for a few days while I look for a more suitable home for myself.' He mused inwardly.
'Additional objectives include; buying a Comm Plug-in for the System, buying more clothes, toiletries, and other essentials, familiarizing myself with the city by traveling to places, and...socializing.'
'Not looking forward to the last part but it's necessary. I think I need friends...getting laid might also help. Ugh!'
Walking around the streets with his field of senses on, Cedric was re-discovering what it's like to be with people.
Being able to walk around this freely without being overly observed was somewhat refreshing. It feels weird, but it's the good weird kind...if that even makes sense.
He could feel some lingering stares at him, but that was mostly because of passing curiosity more than suspicion. In a way, it is also refreshing for him to be ignored for the most part.
When he gathered enough courage to ask around, he got directions on where the nearest Plug-in Store was at. After thanking the kind lady, he made his way there next.
Plug-ins are unique System functions that have been developed by the Lifestyle Guild. Its main purpose is to add more functions to the Acala System.
This method was discovered by one of the known founders of the Lifestyle Guild; Alexis Desmond - the Technomancer dubbed as the 'Tech God'.
Plug-ins could be many things, they could either add a Communication Function to the System — like the one that Arishem suggested him to have, or they could also add Gaming/Entertainment Functions too.
There are a lot of plug-ins to choose from but Cedric didn't need that many. Only a select few would do. It wouldn't be too late to add another once he needed it anyway.
On a side note, Plug-ins aren't sold through the System Shop. Everyone who would like to have some would have to visit a physical store to have them installed by licensed technicians. Said technicians are professionals and signed a binding contract with Acala to never install any harmful or corrupted plug-ins to their customers.
Cedric arrived at the Plug-in store which was thankfully near the ReNewLife Institute.
He went through a verification process which included him presenting his identification documents. He recalled the Chief's words about the protocol. The store representative did present their license and authority insignia first before asking for his.
After going through the process, Cedric was then free to choose several plug-ins. He asked for suggestions and the store clerk was all too happy to give him some.
Ultimately, after a long and exhausting list of selections, Cedric chose three Plug-ins: Communication, Entertainment, and Educational.
The Communication Plug-in allowed him to have a profile he could use to send direct messages to people, he could even create a group chat, do calls, etc.
The Entertainment Plug-in included lists of apps he could use to either watch movies, stream, play games, build an online presence, and so on. The default system already has a few of these functions but this plug-in elaborates on that even more.
And finally, there's the Educational Plug-in. It's online learning/schooling in simplified terms. He could also take courses online through this plug-in so he's looking forward to it.
After having these plug-ins installed courtesy of the technicians and adding as well as saying hi to Arishem through chat, Cedric felt ready to conclude his first day at this city so he checked in to the nearby hotel and called it a day.