Ainz stood at the threshold of a new world, his heart racing with excitement and fear in equal measure. His vacation with his parents had been a beautiful escape—a reminder of the small pleasures in life and the joy of simply existing in the present. But as they returned to the routine of everyday life, he couldn't ignore the reality that lay ahead. The feeling of liberation he had experienced during their time together still lingered, but now he was back to facing the unknown of the future.
The transition from being a college student to a full-fledged adult was daunting. Ainz had always lived his life in the shadows of responsibility, driven by the need to take care of his family. Now, with his degree in hand and a world of possibilities before him, he was unsure of how to move forward. The weight of expectation from his family was still there, but now, for the first time, he had the freedom to carve his own path.
In the weeks following their return, Ainz found himself spending a lot of time thinking about what came next. His parents were happy for him, proud of his achievements, but they also knew that he needed to figure out his own direction. His father, always the practical one, encouraged him to pursue a career in his field of study. "You've worked so hard for this, Ainz. You have the potential to make something of yourself," he said one evening as they sat together at the dinner table, their conversation flowing in a comfortable rhythm that Ainz had always appreciated.
But Ainz wasn't sure. His degree had been a means to an end, a way to support his family. But now, as he looked at his options, he found himself questioning whether that was truly the life he wanted. It wasn't that he didn't want to make a living for himself—it was that he didn't know how to integrate his own passions and desires with the responsibilities he had carried for so long.
Over the next few days, Ainz found himself reflecting on the possibilities. He could stay on the safe path, take a job that aligned directly with his degree, and continue the cycle of providing for his parents. But deep down, something inside him longed for more. More than just the mundane, more than the grind of life where his every decision had been based on duty and responsibility. He wanted to discover who he was beyond the confines of obligation.
It was during one of these quiet, reflective moments that Ainz received a call from an old friend, one he hadn't spoken to in a long time. It was Arlo, a classmate from his time in college who had always been an optimistic, carefree soul. Arlo was the kind of person who embraced life fully, who found joy in the smallest of things, and who had always encouraged Ainz to take risks and to push beyond his comfort zone.
"Hey, Ainz!" Arlo's cheerful voice rang through the phone, instantly lifting Ainz's spirits. "I've been thinking about you, man. How's life after graduation? You're probably thinking about what comes next, huh?"
Ainz chuckled, the sound a little lighter than it had been in a while. "Yeah, I guess you could say that. Just trying to figure it out."
"Well, you know what they say," Arlo continued, "when you don't know what to do, sometimes the best thing is to just take a leap of faith. What's the worst that could happen?"
Ainz thought about it for a moment. Arlo's words, though simple, struck a chord within him. He had always been cautious, too cautious. He had spent so many years putting everyone else's needs before his own that he had forgotten how to live for himself. Arlo's call was a wake-up call—maybe it was time to step outside his comfort zone, to explore new horizons, and to truly embrace the opportunities in front of him.
"I don't know," Ainz said, his voice thoughtful. "Maybe you're right. Maybe it's time to take that leap."
The next few days were filled with a whirlwind of activity. Ainz spoke to his parents about his thoughts and ideas, and while they were initially worried, they trusted him. They had seen him grow, and they knew that he was capable of making decisions for his future.
Ainz decided to take some time off before diving into a career. He had always dreamed of traveling, of seeing more of the world, but had never allowed himself the luxury of thinking about it seriously. Now, with the weight of responsibility lessened and his sense of freedom growing, he booked a ticket for a month-long trip to Europe—a place he had always wanted to explore.
As he prepared for the trip, Ainz couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. He had never traveled alone before, and the thought of venturing into unfamiliar places was both exhilarating and terrifying. But there was a certain thrill in knowing that this was his chance to do something just for himself, to step away from the life he had always known and discover who he truly was.
The day of departure arrived, and Ainz found himself at the airport, his bag packed with everything he thought he might need for the adventure ahead. His parents had driven him to the airport, and as they said their goodbyes, Ainz felt a pang of sadness. It wasn't that he didn't want to go, but it was hard to leave the comfort of home after so many years of relying on it.
His mother gave him a tight hug, her eyes brimming with emotion. "Take care of yourself, Ainz. Have fun, but don't forget to call us. We're so proud of you."
Ainz smiled, feeling a warmth in his chest. "I will, Mom. And thank you. For everything."
As he boarded the plane and watched the city fade away beneath him, Ainz felt a sense of anticipation building inside him. The future was still unknown, but for the first time, he was ready to embrace it, to explore the world and discover who he could be outside the constraints of his past.
The next few weeks were a blur of new experiences, vibrant cultures, and moments of pure joy. Ainz traveled through cities with rich histories and breathtaking landscapes. He wandered the streets of Paris, the beauty of the Eiffel Tower lighting up the sky at night. He explored the canals of Venice, the romance of the city filling him with awe. He hiked the Swiss Alps, the fresh mountain air filling his lungs as he marveled at the natural beauty surrounding him.
Through it all, Ainz felt a deep sense of freedom he had never known. For the first time in his life, he was living solely for himself, making choices based on his own desires and curiosities. The trip was a revelation, a journey not just across Europe but into his own heart. He discovered that life could be full of unexpected moments, and it was up to him to find the beauty in them.
But the more Ainz explored, the more he realized that he couldn't run away from the need to build a future. While he had enjoyed every moment of his trip, the excitement of seeing new places only highlighted the fact that he couldn't live in this bubble forever. He would need to return home, find stability, and begin the next chapter of his life.
Upon his return, Ainz was determined to move forward. He began his search for a job in earnest, unsure of exactly what he wanted, but knowing he had to start somewhere. After several interviews in fields related to his degree, he found an opportunity that struck a chord with him—an animation company that had recently opened a new office in his city. Ainz had always been fascinated by animation, by the way stories could be brought to life through art and movement. It wasn't exactly what he had studied, but it was something he was passionate about, and it felt like a sign that he was finally finding his way.
The interview process was rigorous, but Ainz felt a sense of confidence he hadn't experienced before. He was no longer the nervous, unsure young man who had been consumed by fear of failure. This time, he was a man who knew his worth, who understood that his passion and his desire to contribute meant something.
A few days later, he received the call. He had been offered the job.
When he shared the news with his parents, their pride and excitement were overwhelming. His mother hugged him tightly, her voice trembling with joy. "I knew you would find your way, Ainz," she said, tears welling in her eyes. "I just knew it."
Ainz smiled, his heart swelling with pride as well. He had come so far, and he was just beginning. The job wasn't the end of his journey—it was just another step toward his future.
His first day at the animation company felt like a dream. The office was a bright, open space filled with young, creative individuals who were all passionate about bringing art to life. Ainz was assigned to a small team, and his first project was working on storyboards for an animated short film. It was exhilarating—he felt like he was finally in a place where his creativity could flourish. The pressure of working in a competitive industry was still present, but it felt different. Instead of being weighed down by the fear of failure, he felt motivated by the chance to do something he loved.
As he worked alongside his team, learning new skills and growing in confidence, Ainz realized that he was truly living for himself now. The pressures of the past—of always living for his family, of being the backbone of the household—had not disappeared entirely, but they no longer defined him. His new job at the animation company was a tangible manifestation of his journey, of the changes he had made in his life, and it was his chance to shape his own destiny.
And as he walked into the office on his first day, Ainz knew that this was only the beginning of his new life. The future was no longer something to fear. It was something to embrace.