"But everything changed when the first of the enlightened ones emerged and used their powers to manipulate energy. They created new trees and plants, ones unlike anything we had known before, so humanity had to adapt," Eva explained.
"So, this food here was created by people?" Bryce asked, baffled.
"Yes. It was made using normal cooking processes. The only difference is the new plants and fruits that were used," she said. Then, in a lower voice, she added, "I'm actually the one who made the food."
Bryce looked at the food again. He realized this was how things were now, so he had to get used to it. He walked to the bed and sat down, picked up the fork, and before eating, said, "So technically, we're all vegetarians now. Typical."
He began to eat, and to his surprise, the food tasted good. He started eating faster, and after a while, he finished everything.
"I'm glad you liked it," Eva said.
Bryce faced her. "Yes, the food was good. Thank you."
"You're welcome," Eva replied. She grabbed the bag she had dropped earlier and walked toward Bryce. "I also brought you new clothes." She handed him the bag and took the empty container from him.
Bryce quickly checked the clothes. They looked like they would fit him, which made him wonder how Eva knew his size.
"I can leave the room while you chan…" Eva began, but she stopped when Bryce pulled off the shirt and trousers he was wearing.
Surprised, Eva turned her head to the side so she wouldn't look, her cheeks turning slightly red. Bryce was now only in his underwear. Despite herself, Eva glanced at him. His skin was smooth, reflecting the light coming in from the window. It wasn't a sight she saw every day.
Bryce pulled on a pair of the new jeans, then put on a black hoodie. Once he was dressed, Eva could comfortably look at him again.
"Thank you for the clothes," he said, turning to her.
"It's not a problem," she replied. "Your class should be starting soon. I'll take you there."
When she mentioned class, Bryce remembered he was an academy student now.
"Okay," he said.
Eva walked to the door, waiting for Bryce to finish getting ready. Bryce placed the bag of clothes neatly aside, then walked over and opened the door.
Eva stepped out first, and Bryce followed, closing the door behind him. They walked side by side.
"What time is it?" Bryce asked.
"Time…" Eva said thoughtfully. "It is sometimes irrelevant in times like these. Some days don't last long, and some nights feel endless."
Bryce thought about her words, unsure whether she was being poetic or speaking literally. His thoughts were interrupted when Eva stopped.
He looked ahead. It wasn't a training ground or an arena.
It was a normal classroom.
"I thought there would be combat training," Bryce said, confused.
"There will be," Eva replied. "But now you have regular classes, where you're lectured about important things, about the world as it is now."
Bryce wasn't interested in lectures. All he wanted was combat training so he could learn the powers he had seen the day before. But he had no choice, so he accepted it.
"I need to go now. I have some things to attend to," Eva said. "And you should go in, you're already late."
Eva walked away, leaving Bryce alone. Not wanting his mind to wander, he walked into the classroom.
PRESENT DAY
Bryce opened his eyes and slowly rose from the pool of water. He stepped out of the room and saw Eva in the living room, scanning the bookshelves.
"I'll be going to the academy now," Bryce said. Eva turned toward him.
"I can come with you if you want."
"No, it's fine. Someone needs to stay here," Bryce replied as he walked to the couch where he had left his jacket.
He picked it up and put it on. Once ready, he left the warehouse and stepped outside.
Thunder filled the sky. The rip was still clearly visible, and it seemed to be growing wider with time. Bryce took in the view. His mission was far from complete, and he knew he had to do whatever it took to progress, even if it meant returning to the academy.
After a moment, he lowered his head and vanished.
He reappeared somewhere else, now standing in front of the citadel.
Just like the warehouse, there were no buildings or signs of civilization around it. The citadel was visible but had a very strong force field surrounded it, preventing unwanted visitors from entering.
Bryce walked slowly toward the entrance. As he drew closer, ten guards appeared out of thin air, standing in formation. They wore identical black uniforms with the Exorts crest at their backs.
The crest was a shining lotus flower surrounded by a circle.
"Bryce Reed. You were banished from this place. You are not allowed to set foot in the citadel," one of the guards said.
Bryce felt irritation rise within him. He knew getting in wouldn't be straightforward, but he wasn't in the mood for this. He didn't want to cause trouble, but if it continued, he would have no choice.
He lowered his head. "I don't have time for this. Step aside and let me enter," he said in a cold, intimidating voice.
"This is your final warning," another guard said firmly. "Leave now, or we will be forced to attack."
Bryce raised his head and looked at them. "If nothing else, I admire your courage. The Exorts haven't changed when it comes to valor after all these years."
"We've warned you enough," a guard said. "Attack!"
"Stand down."
Someone appeared in front of the guards just before they could move.
Seeing who it was, the guards froze.
Bryce recognized him immediately.
The man wore monk attire, black this time and with the Exorts crest boldly displayed on his back.
It was Jian Zhen, older now.
"If Bryce wanted you all dead," Zhen said calmly, "you'd already be dead in seconds."