The next day, Eve was greeted by someone she recognized from the hospital—Arel.

  Arel introduced herself more formally this time and mentioned that she would be guiding Eve through her first rounds of training.

  "I work mostly with the Vanguard Division—our team is small but mighty. You'll probably meet them all soon," she said cheerfully as they walked. "I specialize in healing and energy reinforcement—basically, I keep people from burning out in the field and make sure no one drops dead from overexertion. Gmorous, right?"

  She gave a pyful wink. "Oh, and I can also boost energy levels. It's a trick we save for those desperate moments in combat."

  Eve gave a small ugh. "Honestly, that sounds... kind of amazing. I had no idea people even had roles like that."

  Arel grinned. "Yeah, it's a weird bance of pressure and purpose. It's not all glowing lights and dramatic rescues. Half the time I'm just yelling at people to drink water and breathe."

  She paused for a second, nudging Eve gently with her shoulder. "This is actually my first time mentoring someone, by the way. So, uh, we'll both be learning on the job!"

  Her positivity was infectious, and despite the nerves bubbling in her stomach, Eve found herself smiling back. It was comforting to be around someone so open and kind.

  "So tell me everything," Arel said suddenly, looping her arms behind her head as they walked. "What's your world like? Is it true you guys don't have energy cores? How do you power things? What do your cities look like? And what do you eat? Wait, no—what do you snack on?"

  Eve blinked, amused by the flurry of questions. "Um... we have electricity. And we eat a lot of processed stuff. Chips. Instant noodles. Pizza, if you're lucky."

  Arel gasped. "You had me at pizza. I need a full breakdown ter."

  It was the first time Eve had felt like someone wasn't just analysing her—they were genuinely interested in who she was.

  And for the first time since arriving, it didn't feel so lonely.

  When they arrived at the training arena, Arel led Eve through a wide archway into a vast, open space yered with energy-reactive flooring and glowing panels embedded in the walls. The room buzzed faintly with ambient power, and operatives moved with ease through obstacle courses, weapon tests, and focus drills. Every few minutes, bursts of light or elemental energy fshed across the space, followed by commanding voices and the sharp thud of impact.

  Arel gestured around with a small flourish. "Welcome to the pulse of the Academy. This is where we train, spar, push limits... and occasionally wipe out in the most embarrassing ways possible."

  Eve looked around in awe. "This looks more like a sci-fi battlefield than a training room. I've seen stuff like this in movies and games... it just doesn't look real." Her eyes continued to follow the glowing lights dancing across the walls, mesmerized by the pulsing rhythm of the arena's energy.

  "Yep," Arel nodded proudly. "We take preparation seriously. And the floors adjust to elemental resonance, so you'll never see the same setup twice. Keeps you guessing."

  They moved toward a smaller arena zone partitioned with transparent barriers.

  "This is where you'll start today," Arel said. "We won't push you too hard—I just want to see how you move, how your energy responds under pressure. No pressure though!" she added with a wink.

  Eve gave her a nervous smile. "You're lucky your energy includes healing. I might need that."

  Arel ughed. "Don't worry. I've got your back. Always."

  They spent the rest of the morning going through basic training drills—testing Eve's stamina, agility, and general fitness. Arel expined that these early exercises were meant to establish a baseline, nothing too intense. Still, for Eve, it felt like being put through a gauntlet.

  With the colr and bracelet still reguting her vitals, Eve could feel the familiar buzz of electricity in her limbs—but no actual energy output. No lightning, no surge. Just pressure building with nowhere to go.

  Arel reassured her, "We'll try again tomorrow. Good work today."

  Eve was absolutely parched and drained, sprawled on the floor of the arena like she'd just run a marathon. "I'm so unfit," she panted as she chugged water.

  Arel chuckled. "Let's get you cleaned up. I'll walk you back to your apartment. You've earned it after that workout."

  Eve peeled herself off the ground with effort and groaned. "Not even leg day felt this violent."

  "This is basic training?" she asked incredulously as they stepped outside.

  Arel ughed, her voice light and cheerful. "You'll pick it up in an instant. I know it!"

  When they reached Eve's apartment, Arel slowed to a stop at the front door. "You're free for the rest of the day," she said warmly. "I'd recommend exploring the city a bit—get a feel for the pce. I left some notes in your tablet about transit routes that'll take you through the safer and more scenic areas."

  Eve nodded appreciatively. "Thanks, Arel."

  "See you tomorrow!" Arel called out, waving as she turned and walked away.

  Eve stepped inside and blinked in surprise. Her apartment was filled with boxes and bags—all the things she had ordered the day before. She let out a deep breath and slumped onto the sofa, taking a moment to collect her thoughts.

  She stared down at her hand, flexing her fingers slowly. A faint tingle of electricity danced across her fingertips.

  "I'll get this," she whispered to herself, and with that quiet determination, she pushed herself off the couch and headed to the shower.

  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

  That night, Eve drifted into sleep, but her dreams took on a strange vividness.

  She stood barefoot in a vast, barren ndscape beneath a canopy of stars. The sky stretched endlessly above her, glittering with pinpricks of silver light. Everything around her was silent, still—as if the world had paused. The stars glowed more brightly than she had ever seen before, their light washing the cracked earth in a gentle, silver hue.

  In the distance, a small flicker of blue fme danced.

  Eve felt herself pulled toward it, as if in a trance. Her body moved without thought, her breath slow and steady. A soft voice whispered her name, beckoning her gently: "Eve..."

  "Come closer... take it..."

  The fme pulsed in rhythm with her steps, growing slowly as she approached. The voice called again, barely audible but persistent, like wind through leaves.

  "Take it..."

  Eve could see nothing else now. Her world had narrowed to the fme. As it grew, she felt a wave of power pulse through the ground with every step forward.

  She reached her hand out—fingers extended, breath trembling.

  A warm breeze swept over her, and suddenly the barren nd dissolved.

  She stood in a familiar park.

  The same park where everything had changed.

  Streetlights flickered. The air was cold, crisp. She was back. Home.

  In her pyjamas, barefoot, trembling.

  "I'm back home?" she whispered, stunned.

  The weight of disbelief sent her feet moving, faster now, stumbling toward the sidewalk. Her breath fogged the air. The pavement stung against her bare feet. She ran.

  Street after street, she followed the path her mind knew by heart—toward Derrick's apartment. Toward the pce it had all started.

  The roads blurred. The chill bit deeper. Her heart raced. Her lungs burned. Tears pricked at her eyes.

  She crossed a street, heedless.

  A car honked. Headlights blinded her.

  She froze, hands lifting to shield herself—

  And woke up gasping.

  She was back in bed. Drenched in sweat. Breathing hard.

  Her feet throbbed. She pulled the covers back and stared.

  The soles of her feet were raw. Cold.

  She sat in silence, shaking, her thoughts spinning.

  That wasn't a dream... was it?

  She didn't sleep again that night.

  Several weeks passed.

  Eve's days at the Academy fell into a rhythm. Her agility sharpened, her stamina grew, and her aim became precise. The instructors took notice, often commenting on how quickly she adapted to the intense physical and elemental training. Eve credited it to the pressure she faced in her previous world—corporate deadlines, relentless expectations, and the habit of always pushing herself harder. She had learned to adapt. To survive.

  But here, for the first time, she was starting to thrive.

  She began to enjoy herself.

  Arel remained her anchor—they trained together, ughed together, and often wandered through the city after drills. Eve also met Nyra, the quiet, sharp combat alchemist, and Kael, the icy strategist whose presence spoke volumes even when he said little. Their interactions were brief but meaningful, and Eve slowly found herself growing comfortable within this strange new world.

  She explored the city beyond the Academy walls—wandering through sleek districts of shops, lights, and foreign yet captivating architecture. The fashion of Terra enchanted her: asymmetrical yers, glowing fabrics, utility woven into beauty. She adored it. Maybe a little too much. Her wardrobe had started to balloon.

  It wasn't long before she realized she might need a side job to afford her new taste.

  Still, she welcomed every day as a challenge. A chance to grow, to change. To live the life she wanted—not the one someone else had chosen for her.