Kaz woke up in a bed—an actual bed—and for a moment, he couldn't believe it.
The softness beneath him, the warmth of the blanket, the clean scent of home—it all felt unreal. After the nightmare of the Scorched Isles, this was heaven.
It had only been a few days in that burning wasteland, but it felt like years. The cave system that followed had been no better—twisting, suffocating, endless.
And it wasn't like some sort of astral projection where the pain was distant or dulled. No, he had been transported—his body, his senses, all of it. Every fall, every cut, every burn—he felt it all, raw and real.
That was what made it worse.
But now, for the first time in what felt like forever, he was safe—and his body had finally been given the chance to rest.
The only saving grace through it all had been the evolution that came with climbing the ranks. It burned away the impurities—erasing scars, healing old wounds, making his body feel new.
And the strength boost? It wasn't just for show. He felt it in every muscle, every breath. He was as strong as an athlete at peak performance, maybe even stronger.
The curse had its horrors, no doubt—but it also came with benefits. And Kaz intended to use them to their fullest.
Now, though, he had to get ready for the government academy. He didn't know what to expect. The last time he'd been in anything close to a school setting was back in middle school—before the accident.
Even now, just thinking about that moment left a bitter taste in his mouth.
A flash of Elsie's face crossed his mind, and he clenched his jaw. Shaking the thought away, he pulled on his sweatpants and the faded T-shirt—the only clothes he had left.
It was time to step outside and figure out where to go, how to get into the academy, and what the hell came next.
He wasn't left wondering for too long.
As he walked to the door and pulled it open, he was met with an unpleasant surprise.
Speak of the devil.
There she was—Elsie, her face as unreadable as ever.
It was almost laughable how coincidences worked: sometimes they came when you wanted them, other times when you dreaded them. And this time, Kaz felt completely torn.
On one hand, he needed information. On the other hand, he didn't want it from her.
"To hell with it ", he thought, giving off his best smile he could muster in this moment, keeping it cordial
Hi."
It was an awkward greeting—but a greeting nonetheless.
Elsie looked at Kaz, her face attempting to stay neutral, but it didn't quite hold. For just a second, something cracked through the calm—a faint, almost imperceptible smile.
Kaz saw it. Even if it lasted only a heartbeat, he noticed. And it made him frown.
Who does she think she is? he thought bitterly.
Then, just like that, Elsie slipped back into her usual tone—confident, composed, like a guide leading the way.
"Are you ready to go, novice Kazeem?"
Kaz paused, realizing they were supposed to leave now—but he hadn't packed.
Then it hit him. He had nothing to pack. No backpack, no suitcase… nothing.
With a quiet breath, he walked back into the living room and picked up the family photo—the one still sitting on the coffee table next to the old video game controller. The last piece of his past.
He let out a deep sigh. It would be a long time before he could return to this place.
Luckily, the house would still be his. It was too old and worn to be sold, practically forgotten by the city. That thought brought a small sense of comfort.
He turned away and stepped outside, glancing back at the doorway one final time.
"Yeah... I'm ready. Let's go."
As he left, a single tear slid down his cheek.
All the memories—every laugh, every fight, every quiet moment—would stay in that house forever.
And now, the final person who had called it home… had finally left.
Leaving the house was just the first step—only the beginning. Now came the real challenge: surviving the academy.
Kaz needed information. And as much as it pained him, he knew he'd have to ask her.
He waited until they were both inside the car. Speaking of which, it was unlike anything he'd seen before. Sleek, black, and expensive. It reminded him of an old Jeep, the kind he'd seen in movies, but this one was fitted with Rift-tech along the exterior.
He'd heard about vehicles like this—supposedly designed to resist the pull of a Rift. Not that it had ever been tested properly.
The interior was simpler, clearly built for comfort and daily use, but still well-crafted.
Kaz shifted in his seat, trying to push the tension aside, then finally decided to ask his first question.
"What will I be doing there?"
It was a simple question, but Elsie hesitated.
Kaz noticed the flicker of confusion on her face before she quickly masked it with certainty.
"Well," she began, voice steadying, "you'll be there until you Rift—on the first day of summer."
Kaz frowned. That didn't explain anything. Were they just supposed to sit around and wait for something to happen? It made no sense.
"So… we're just supposed to wait, then?"
His tone was laced with irritation, disbelief slipping through. He turned to face her now, wanting something more than vague answers.
It was obvious Elsie didn't appreciate his tone, but there wasn't much she could do about it—not right now. So, she kept her face even and her voice calm.
"Well," she replied smoothly, "you'll go to classes. Learn how to survive the Rifts."
Kaz scoffed, leaning back against the seat, arms crossed again.
"Great," he muttered. "Rift survival 101. Can't wait."
The sarcasm rolled off his tongue, but deep down, he knew he did need it. Even if he hated where it was coming from.
Elsie smirked in satisfaction.
"Great. Then I'll have them set you up for Rift Survival 101. And while I'm at it, I'll sign you up for Woodworking and Ancient Texts classes too."
Kaz's face flushed red with embarrassment.
"Wait!" he shouted, but it was already too late.
Judging by the smug look on her face, she had already sent the message.
He had only said what he said to irritate Elsie, to make the ride as miserable for her as it was for him. But it completely backfired. Now he was stuck with a class list that sounded more like a punishment than a schedule.
Her face turned grim—or at least, it looked like a grim expression from where Kaz was sitting. Her voice softened.
"You'll need those way more than swordsmanship. I promise."
As she said that, the car came to a stop. She unlocked the government vehicle's door.
"I wish you luck on your evolution, Novice Kaz."
He stepped out of the car, and just like that—she was gone.
What was that about? he thought. He had only ever seen her make that face once... when the accident happened.