World Builder #ONC2024

6| the first day of the rest of my life

WYATT

AFTER SNEAKING BACK into my room, the adrenaline driven giggles of Clara and Jackie at my back, I face planted onto my brand new bed.

It may have been because I was dead tired, but this new bed was way better than my old one. By a long shot.

I sighed happily settling into the covers, not bothering to take my shoes off. I could shower in the morning, but at that moment I was so tired.

It turns out graduating, realizing your best friend was missing, and sneaking into the World Builder lab was a recipe for exhaustion. 

Within seconds, my eyes shuttered closed and I was launched into a dreamless sleep.

THE NEXT MORNING, I woke up with a pounding headache.

"Oh God," I said, my voice sleepy. How was I supposed to get through my first day feeling like my head had been smashed in my dorm's door?

"I am not God. You may call me Sylvie," a robotic voice said in response. I bolted upright in bed, looking frantically for the source.

"I am your personal World Building companion. If you need something, ask me. You may activate me by simply saying my name and whatever you require. Have a great first day, Wyatt."

And then everything was still again.

I took several deep breaths, trying to center myself. 

"Sylvie," I said, looking around for any sign of movement, "where are you?"

"I am a fixture inside of your walls, so that I may hear you clearly in any part of your room, Wyatt. Do you need anything else?"

"A bottle of water and pain medication would be nice," I said, "but if you don't have any-"

A panel slid smoothly out of the wall above my nightstand, dispensing exactly what I had requested.

"Will that be all for you?" Sylvie asked.

"Yes, thank you," I responded, still a little star struck at the whole situation. 

Not only was my new bed way more comfortable than my old one, and my room was three times the size of the one I had occupied during school, but this room came with an assistant? 

Oh, how she would have been amazing for all the long nights I spent at my desk, too worried about losing my train of thought to get up and get food. With Sylvie, I would never have to worry about that again.

"You are welcome. Have a great day, Wyatt," Sylvie said before going quiet again.

Holy cow. All of a sudden, I couldn't wait to get started.

I jumped out of bed, locating the abandoned suitcase in the corner before pulling out a fresh uniform and stepping into the hallway, looking for a shower. In the academic wing, there was a communal bathroom right around the corner from my dorm. If I could just find...

"Mr. Kerr, I suggest you shower before your first day," Kalahan said from behind me. I jumped, spinning to face her. It was like she had simply appeared.

"Sorry Professor. I was just looking for the showers. I probably should've looked last night," I said sheepishly, rubbing the back of my neck. This was not a good start to the first day of the rest of my life.

"You should try the private one in your room. I hear they're very nice down here in the World Builder wing."

I refused to let the blood rise to my face, instead taking the opportunity to relax my shoulders and take a deep breath. Maybe I would just ask Sylvie everything before I did it.

"That would probably be optimal. I will do that. Thanks," I responded, turning back into my room.

I sighed when Kalahan's shadow passed under my door and continued down the hallway.

"Sylvie," I said, "where's the bathroom?"

"Right this way," the disembodied voice replied, a door popping open that I hadn't previously noticed.

I walked into the bathroom and gasped.

And I didn't gasp.

The shower was pristine, no trace of leftover soap scum or water. The toilet and sink were in their own area, and there was an entire vanity next to the shower.

Overall, it was incredible, and I would be more than happy to take my sweet time in the shower that no one was begging to use after me.

I quickly turned on the water, undressed, and stepped into the stream, enjoying the feel of the warm water on my skin. It had been a long, long time since I had taken a shower I had enjoyed.

There was a small bottle of unscented soap sitting on the indented ledge in the wall, and I made quick work of washing my hair and body before stepping out, toweling off, and redressing in my new, clean uniform.

Maybe that day was looking up after all.

I would be in the World Builder lab in less than an hour. I had my own private bathroom after years of sharing. I was clean. I was whole. I had survived a late night exploration mission that had almost ended in disaster.

As I grabbed the waiting toothbrush on my new sink, I smiled.

Everything was finally working out, and I couldn't wait to get started. Fortis was ready. My game plan was ready. And most important of all, I was ready.

I brushed my teeth quickly, washed my hands, and stepped back into my room, taking another look around my new home.

It was incredible, how everything in my life had been turned upside down. I would always wonder about Lucas, but maybe he had something he needed to do. Maybe he had never needed to graduate.

From that point forward, I needed to be focused on my goals. Other side projects could wait. Once my legacy was restored and Fortis was launched, I would have time to chase the ideas that grew with every passing day.

Until then, I would be the new guy on the scene.

Nothing excited me more than the idea of proving everyone wrong.

So when I opened the door for the second time that morning, I was ready.

My first day was going to be great.